Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Canberra Raiders snapped a three match losing streak with a 24 to 16 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons at GIO Stadium on Sunday, with Xavier Savage scoring two intercept tries in a win overshadowed by a controversial Bunker decision. Canberra secured just its sixth win of the season to keep its slim NRL finals hopes alive, while the Dragons suffered a third consecutive defeat after another frustrating afternoon.
The game's biggest talking point came in the second half when Savage's decisive second try was allowed to stand despite Dragons players protesting that Raiders forward Simi Sasagi had knocked the ball forward before the intercept.
Bunker decision sparks controversy
Savage's second intercept try left commentators and Dragons players stunned after replays appeared to show Sasagi making contact with Kyle Flanagan's pass before the winger raced 80 metres to score.
The Bunker declined to intervene, allowing the try to stand despite animated protests from Dragons captain Clint Gutherson and five eighth Daniel Atkinson.
Fox League commentator Cooper Cronk questioned the decision during the broadcast, believing the play should have been reviewed before the try was awarded.
The controversial moment proved pivotal as Canberra extended its lead in a contest that remained within reach until the closing stages.
Savage delivers as Raiders hold firm
Savage produced the defining moments of the match with two intercept tries, while hooker Tom Starling sealed the victory with a late four pointer after Tyrell Sloan had reduced the margin to just two points with his second try of the afternoon.
The victory ended Canberra's three game losing streak and kept the club's finals aspirations alive, although the Raiders are still likely to require a near perfect finish to the regular season to qualify.
Simi Sasagi also impressed in his return from injury, finishing with 198 running metres from 24 carries while breaking three tackles in an influential display.
Ricky Stuart protects young winger
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart made a notable tactical decision during the first half, replacing winger Savelio Tamale after a difficult opening 30 minutes.
Tamale made three costly errors before losing an aerial contest that resulted in Dragons winger Setu Tu scoring late in the first half.
The 21 year old did not return to the field, with television cameras capturing Stuart consoling the visibly emotional youngster on the sideline.
The decision came just weeks after Tamale had voluntarily requested a stint in reserve grade earlier this season to rebuild his confidence.
Dragons left to rue missed opportunities
St George Illawarra created several early attacking chances but repeatedly failed to capitalise.
Three potential scoring opportunities were ruled out in the opening minutes due to handling errors, preventing the visitors from building scoreboard pressure.
Sloan continued his impressive individual form with a double, but it was not enough to prevent the Dragons from slipping to their 14th defeat of the season.
The loss also marked the 11th occasion this year that the Dragons have been restricted to fewer than 20 points.
Meanwhile, Raiders playmaker Ethan Strange produced flashes of brilliance without dominating the contest as he continues to press his case for higher representative honours.
Canberra's victory also continued its outstanding recent record against the Dragons at GIO Stadium, where the Raiders have now won six consecutive meetings and 17 of their past 19 home clashes against the Red V.
