Canberra have all but sealed a top-two spot on the NRL ladder after pulling off one of the most breath-taking golden-point wins over four-time reigning champions Penrith in the history of rugby league.
With scores locked at 16-16 after 80 minutes of regulation time, the two premiership contenders went into golden point, which was a matter of inches away from being over when Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary’s drop goal attempt from 37 metres out hit the upright.
Raiders winger Jed Stuart collected the live ball off the rebound and found five-eighth Ethan Strange on the left side.
Strange ran about 80 metres before off-loading to Kaeo Weekes, who scored the match-winning try in the 83rd minute with two tacklers hanging off him.
“That is the most remarkable finish to a golden point game I have ever witnessed,” Cooper Cronk said on Fox Sports.
“It’s the most gripping finish I’ve ever been a part of. That is mind-blowing. I have never seen that ever.”
Andrew Voss added: “It’s the Miracle in Mudgee — you have never seen the likes of it, ever.”
The 20-16 comeback win puts the Raiders in the box seat to claim the minor premiership.
The victory with two rounds remaining means leaders Canberra inch closer to their second-ever minor premiership — and first since 1990 — while further strengthening their title credentials. The result also dents Penrith’s hopes of securing a crucial top-four berth.
The Panthers looked in control for most of the contest. Centre Casey McLean’s try double in the opening half gave them early ascendancy before back-rower Liam Martin barged over in the 43rd minute to hand them a 10-point buffer at 16-6.
Ivan Cleary’s men enjoyed the majority of possession and field position throughout the opening hour, with the Raiders struggling to find rhythm.
But momentum swung when makeshift centre Simi Sasagi crashed over in the 57th minute after switching to cover for the injured Xavier Savage. The try sparked Canberra into action, and Strange added a try soon after to level scores at 16-all.
Halfback Jamal Fogarty had the chance to put the Raiders in front but pushed his sideline conversion wide. Both sides had opportunities in the closing stages of regular time but failed to land the decisive blow, sending the game into golden point.
The incredible finish sent Raiders coach Ricky Stuart into a frenzy on the sidelines, with the club now in sight of securing the competition’s most unlikely minor premiership in more than three decades.
The only downside for Canberra was the loss of Savage to an AC joint injury in the first half, while Penrith captain Isaah Yeo made a strong return from a shoulder problem that sidelined him for a month.
