NRL: Green machine rolls on as Raiders slay Dragons again

Trent Merrin is swarmed by Raiders players. Photo / Getty Images

One of the more unlikely streaks in the NRL rolls on.

The Raiders have now won 10 of the past 11 clashes between these two teams, including the last nine in a row.

Canberra's domination has been difficult to fathom and a source of great frustration for the Dragons. The span has included the glory years of 2009 and 2010, when the Dragons finished minor premiers (in 2010 they also took the NRL title), while the Raiders were seventh and 13th respectively.

Two tries in three minutes either side of halftime broke this game open for the Raiders, who were always ahead on the scoreboard. Josh Dugan had a quiet game against his former club while the pure pace of the Raiders backline set up their win.

The result consolidates the Raiders position in the top eight, lifting them into a share of fifth place and represents the first time this season that Canberra has won three consecutive matches. It also ends the faint playoff hopes of the Dragons.

Last night the Raiders looked more confident from the outset and deservedly opened the scoring in the seventh minute, Joel Edwards profitting from a clever Jarrod Croker offload. The Dragons showed plenty of endeavour, but their lack of genuine playmakers have limited their effectiveness since the departure of Jamie Soward. Converted hooker Nathan Fien does a creditable job at halfback but there are few options around him to create space or set up a runner. After a series of near misses, the joint venture club finally got reward for their efforts with a try to interchange forward Jack Stockwell in the 35th minute, who did well to back up a break by Mitch Rein.

However, the Raiders, who had dominated the half, regained the lead just moments later. A superb backline move - straight from the training paddock - split the Dragons open and from the next play Reece Robinson dotted down, his sixth try against these particular foes.

When the Raiders lost Josh Dugan after his off field indiscretions earlier in the season, the speedy Robinson was earmarked as his replacement. However, the emergence of gun youngster Anthony Milford has shunted Robinson to the wing, giving the Canberra side rare pace across the backline, reminiscent of the 'Green Machine' days when speedsters like Brett Mullins, Noa Nadruku and Ken Nagas lit up the NRL.

The home side fell asleep just before halftime and were still in their slumber early in the second half, allowing Shaun Berrigan to run 10m from dummy half virtually untouched to dot down under posts. Berrigan, who first scored in the NRL in 1999, is a clever player but shouldn't get that kind of latitude.

The Dragons finally clicked into gear in the last 30 minutes. After sustained pressure, Kiwi Bronson Harrison ran a lovely angle off a Fien pass to close the deficit to four points. Milford responded, dancing his way over from 10m out.

A spectacular 72nd minute try by Brett Morris gave the home fans hope but it was ultimately forlorn.

Dragons 18 (J. Stockwell, B. Harrison, B. Morris tries; C. Stanley 3 goals)

Raiders 22 (J. Edwards, R. Robinson, S. Berrigan, A. Milford tries; J. Croker 3 goals) Halftime: 10-6