Canberra have marked their first NRLW home game with an upset win, taking down competition heavyweights the Sydney Roosters 24-14.
Defying their tag as rank outsiders, the league newcomers turned in a brilliant opening 50 minutes in the second-round clash before digging deep to cling on for their maiden win in front of a strong crowd at GIO Stadium.
Back-to-back tries for former international rugby representatives – Australia’s Grace Kemp and New Zealander Cheyelle Robins-Reti – saw the Raiders skip out to a 12-0 advantage early in the second half.
The Roosters had been expected to rack up points after a comprehensive win against Brisbane last weekend, but were instead stifled by an inspired Canberra who didn’t concede for the game’s first 52 minutes.
The enormity of the win wasn’t lost on Canberra coach Darrin Borthwick, praising the tight-knit nature of his side and their ability to go again once the Roosters challenged them.
“What I’m most proud of and happy with is the fans, over 8000 fans today showed up to back these girls, this club is based on its rich history and the community and they really get behind their teams,” he said.
“These girls are so tight off the field culture-wise, it’s like a family … they stuck to the game plan and got the two points.
“We took a lot of lessons away from (round one), and we take a few more away today, you can’t let teams back into a game like that, especially the Roosters, but I’m really happy for the girls.”
A comfortable Canberra win looked on the cards when captain Simaima Taufa made it 18-0 with her barging effort on 47 minutes, before three Roosters’ tries in nine minutes set up a grandstand finish at 18-14 with eight minutes to play.
Winger Brydie Parker had opened the floodgates by scoring in the corner, with a 90m run from five-eighth Tarryn Aiken and a barge-over from hooker Keeley Davis getting the Roosters right back in it.
But Canberra back-rower Monalisa Soliola sealed the win six minutes from time, put through by Ash Quinlan for the 24-14 lead.
Kemp’s impact off the bench probably earned her player of the match honours, churning out 111m, four tackle busts and three offloads to go with her try.
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