Arabic version: رايدرز يتقدمون على كاوبويز 30-12 في استراحة الشوط الأول بتاونسفيل
According to ABC News, Canberra led North Queensland 30-12 at half-time in a high-scoring NRL match in Townsville on Saturday, with the Raiders recording more first-half points than they had managed in any opening half this season.
Canberra opened the scoring through Xavier Savage, who grubbered ahead for himself before regathering and grounding the ball. Coby Black converted from the sideline. The Raiders extended their advantage when Kaeo Weekes finished a move involving Matty Nicholson, before Savage created another try with a kick ahead that Black, making his first-grade debut, chased down and converted.
The Cowboys responded through Jake Clifford after Scott Drinkwater broke through and found him in support. John Bateman then crossed following a Cowboys attack that included a Tom Dearden break, a six-again call and a Jason Taumalolo offload. The successful conversion reduced the gap to 18-12.
Josh Papali’i scored from close range in his farewell game after earlier passing a head injury assessment, restoring Canberra’s 12-point advantage. Savage then added his second try, producing a corner finish after Black converted from the sideline to make it 30-12 at the break. Taumalolo was placed on report for a high shot, while Raiders player Noah Martin was also put on report after sliding into a tackle with his knees.
