Throwback Thursday: vs Canberra Raiders

The two sides have previously faced off in 39 matches, with Wests Tigers emerging victorious on 19 occasions.

The Raiders last travelled to the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ in 2019 and have played five games at the venue since the formation of the joint-venture in 1999.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash, we’re going back in time to revisit one of the most memorable matches between Wests Tigers and the Canberra Raiders.

2010

After a cruel defeat to the Roosters in a 100-minute thriller at the Sydney Football Stadium, Wests Tigers were forced to travel to the nation’s capital to play the Raiders in an elimination Semi Final in 2010.

Benji Marshall got the visitors away to a perfect start by twisting around several Canberra defenders before throwing an audacious flick pass to an unmarked Chris Heighington.

Former Wests Tigers second-rower Bronson Harrison levelled the scores, but it wasn’t long before Marshall had his side back in front with a well-disguised short ball to Gareth Ellis.

Robert Lui then sent Lote Tuqiri on a lengthy run down the side-line, which ended with the dual-international scoring beneath the posts.

A try to Joel Monahan was negated by another piece of Benji brilliance as the Kiwi five-eighth sent a floating pass to Robert Lui, who tapped the ball onto Chris Lawrence.

Trailing by 12, the Raiders refused to die and moved within one converted try when Trevor Thurling crossed the stripe.

A penalty goal increased the visitors' buffer to eight, but a scrappy try to Alan Tongue saw Canberra draw within two points in the final ten minutes of play.

Simon Dwyer was penalised for a high tackle with five minutes remaining, providing Jarrod Croker with the opportunity to level the scores.

However, the centre pulled the penalty kick to the right of the posts and Wests Tigers would ultimately hold on to book their spot in the third week of the finals.