Canberra Raiders celebrated a significant victory in their NRL season opener, defeating the New Zealand Warriors 30-8 in a match held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. However, the triumph came at a cost, with captain Joe Tapine and promising winger Xavier Savage facing potential suspensions following incidents during the match.
During the game, Tapine was sin-binned for a shoulder charge on Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett in the second half. This action led to a grade-two charge from the NRL match review committee, resulting in a likely two-game suspension against Brisbane and Manly. Coach Ricky Stuart acknowledged the new standards set by the NRL regarding shoulder charges, highlighting the significant impact such calls could have on the flow of the game. As Tapine stated, “We turned the ball over and that’s my job, I’m trying to pump the boys up.”
Savage, expected to be a key player for the Raiders this season, is also likely to miss the next match due to a grade-two dangerous contact charge for an incident where he attacked Chanel Harris-Tavita’s legs while he was kicking. Should Savage challenge his charge and be unsuccessful, he may miss an additional game.
This news casts a shadow over what was otherwise a confident performance from the Raiders, showcasing their potential after a disappointing previous season. The team demonstrated tactical awareness and speed, taking full advantage of the NFL field dimensions, a strategy that they may carry forward as they aim for a strong season.
In light of these suspensions, alternatives for the Raiders’ lineup are being considered. Albert Hopoate, who missed the game to attend his child’s birth, appears poised to return. Meanwhile, options such as Trey Mooney, Myles Martin, and Pasami Saulo may step in to fill Tapine’s role in the forward pack.
Overall, despite the disciplinary challenges, the Raiders’ performance in the opener gives fans hope for a brighter season ahead, as they continue to build on their strong start and seek to overcome adversity.
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