Raiders Defeat Storm 26-22 as Injuries Mar Victory for Canberra
The Melbourne Storm suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in the NRL season, losing 26-22 to the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium. This result marks Melbourne's worst start to a campaign under coach Craig Bellamy since 2001, leaving them with a 2-5 record. Despite the loss, the victory came at a significant cost for the Raiders, who saw inspirational captain Josh Papali’i and centre Matt Timoko sustain injuries during the match. Canberra’s Simi Sasagi was instrumental in the win, contributing an intercept try, a key assist, and 182 running metres. The Raiders improved their record to 3-4, snapping a previous four-match losing streak. Melbourne showed resilience with tries from Nick Meaney, who scored twice in his 100th game, and Sua Fa’alogo, but their defensive struggles persisted. The match featured a dramatic finish after Meaney’s late try, but Canberra’s goal-line defense held firm. This outcome continues the Storm's historical low point, having not lost five straight games since 2012, while the Raiders secured their first win against Melbourne in the nation’s capital since 2016.
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Raiders Defeat Storm 26-22 as Injuries Mar Victory for Canberra
The Melbourne Storm suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in the NRL season, losing 26-22 to the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium. This result marks Melbourne's worst start to a campaign under coach Craig Bellamy since 2001, leaving them with a 2-5 record. Despite the loss, the victory came at a significant cost for the Raiders, who saw inspirational captain Josh Papali’i and centre Matt Timoko sustain injuries during the match. Canberra’s Simi Sasagi was instrumental in the win, contributing an intercept try, a key assist, and 182 running metres. The Raiders improved their record to 3-4, snapping a previous four-match losing streak. Melbourne showed resilience with tries from Nick Meaney, who scored twice in his 100th game, and Sua Fa’alogo, but their defensive struggles persisted. The match featured a dramatic finish after Meaney’s late try, but Canberra’s goal-line defense held firm. This outcome continues the Storm's historical low point, having not lost five straight games since 2012, while the Raiders secured their first win against Melbourne in the nation’s capital since 2016.
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