TBT: Raiders run down in 1999 comeback win
Down by 12 points with just eight minutes to go, the Vodafone Warriors fired up for a stunning – and controversial – 32-30 victory over Canberra 21 years ago in this week’s instalment of Throwback Thursday.
The omens leading into this 1999 encounter at Ericsson Stadium weren’t at all encouraging.
After starting with two wins from the first three rounds, the Mark Graham-coached side had slumped to six straight losses including three heavy defeats by Melbourne (10-38), North Queensland (0-24) and Parramatta (6-28).
And so it was that the Raiders seemed to have control for most of the contest, leading 24-12 midway through the second half and then 30-18 after 72 minutes.
Just when there didn’t seem a way back, Raiders back rower David Furner lost possession 10 metres inside his own half, winger Odell Manuel latched onto the loose ball and dashed 40 metres to score.
With less than six minutes to go, the home side surged back onto attack, off loads and switches of direction stretching the Raiders until young Ali Lauitiiti cut them to shreds coming back against the grain to score between the posts. Matthew Ridge converted and, quite incredibly, it was 30-30.
Now came the drama and controversy. Two minutes showing on the clock, Nigel Vagana running from dummy half to within five metres of Canberra’s line in front of the posts, the field goal play on.
Instead the ball came loose as Vagana got up to play after being tackled by Raiders interchange forward Nathan Sologinkin. Referee Matt Hewitt didn’t hesitate, penalising Sologinkin for interference and the crowd went wild. Raiders captain Laurie Daley clearly wasn’t impressed but the Vodafone Warriors and their faithful couldn’t have cared as Ridge knocked over the easy penalty for a breath-taking two-point victory.
The win had a costly aftermath, though, with Ridge – who kicked six from six – subsequently suspended for eight games after he was charged with an eye gouging incident involving Canberra winger Lesley Vainikolo.
Playing for the Raiders that day were future Vodafone Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden and current interim head coach Todd Payten as well as Raiders and Vodafone Warriors great Ruben Wiki.
May 16, 1999
Ericsson Stadium, Auckland
Vodafone Warriors 32 (Joe Galuvao, Joe Vagana, Robbie Mears, Odell Manuel, Ali Lauitiiti tries; Matthew Ridge 5 conversions, penalty).
Canberra Raiders 30 (Ken Nagas, Rob Maybon, Luke Williamson Laurie Daley, Damian Kennedy tries; Luke Williamson 4 conversions, penalty).
Referee: Matt Hewitt.
Crowd: 9423.
Teams:
Vodafone Warriors | Matthew Ridge (c); Odell Manuel, Joe Galuvao, Nigel Vagana, Sean Hoppe; Shane Endacott, Stacey Jones; Joe Vagana, Robert Mears, Terry Hermansson; Wairangi Koopu, Tony Tuimavave; Logan Swann. Interchange: Cliff Beverley, Tony Tatupu, Ali Lauitiiti, Jerry Seuseu.
Canberra Raiders | Rod Maybon; Ken Nagas, Luke Williamson, Brandon Costin, Lesley Vainikolo; Laurie Daley (c), Andrew McFadden; Anthony Brann, Simon Woolford, Damian Kennedy; Ruben Wiki, David Furner; Jason Croker. Interchange: Mark McLinden, Todd Payten, Nathan Sologinkin, David Cox.
