Strange magic as Raiders down ‘passive’ Cowboys
Sebastian Tan |
Coach Ricky Stuart believes Ethan Strange is nowhere near a finished product after the star playmaker produced another inspirational performance to steer Canberra to a hoodoo-busting 26-12 victory against North Queensland.
After sparking NSW to a 22-20 comeback win in the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, the five-eighth was influential on Sunday, making crucial tackles, scoring a try, assisting another and posting eight tackle busts at GIO Stadium.
His NRL performance will only strengthen his case to keep the NSW starting No.6 jersey for game two on June 17 after the 21-year-old was parachuted into the Blues squad when Mitchell Moses sustained a hamstring injury.
Regardless, Stuart is holding his tongue on whether Strange should get the nod for the MCG clash.
“He’s definitely growing in his game. He’s nowhere near the finished product,” the coach said.
“I just think the best thing he can do, which we spoke about, is he can play really well for us and make it really hard for them not to pick him.
“I appreciate Mitchell (Moses) and Nathan (Cleary), and the way they bring him into the fold.”
Fullback Kaeo Weekes was also busy, grabbing a try and running for 192 metres, while hooker Tom Starling (109 metres, 28 tackles) dazzled to help the Raiders beat North Queensland at home for the first time since 2018.
Victory ended a two-game losing streak for the Green Machine and was one of their best defensive performances of the season, after leaking 60 points in their previous two encounters.
But centre Sebastian Kris suffered a concussion and will miss their clash against the Sydney Roosters on Friday.
After winning eight of their previous 10 matches going into Sunday, the Cowboys missed a mammoth 61 tackles and failed to kickstart their typically lethal attack.
To make matters worse, prop Thomas Mikaele sustained a knee injury, although coach Todd Payten said he could have returned to the field.
“(Our) attitude was passive,” Payten said.
“Tonight was really disappointing, definitely a reality check.”
The Raiders drew first blood when they shifted right and found Kris to open the scoring.
Two minutes later winger Savelio Tamale grubbered the ball, which took a deflection into the hands of Weekes, who charged over for their second.
Lock Daine Laurie then burst through a North Queensland hole and laid the ball off to a barnstorming Starling.
The Cowboys responded when Liam Sutton wrestled over, but Strange danced through North Queensland’s defence to help the Raiders take a 18-6 lead at halftime.
Canberra continued their momentum into the second 40, and Kris added another four-pointer, before Ethan Sanders floated a ball to Xavier Savage, who dove across the line.
Second-rower Heilum Luki crossed for a late consolation try for the Cowboys.
AAP