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Raiders in NRL top four with golden win

Iosia Soliola of the Raiders is tackled by Simon Mannering, and Bunty Afoa of the Warriors at GIO Stadium.

Iosia Soliola of the Raiders is tackled by Simon Mannering, and Bunty Afoa of the Warriors at GIO Stadium. Photo: AAP

Canberra have moved into the NRL’s top four for the first time in more than a decade with a 26-22 golden-point win over the Warriors.

The Raiders held a comfortable 22-4 lead with 10 minutes to go on Saturday afternoon but let in three late tries to set up a grandstand finish at GIO Stadium.

Skipper Jarrod Croker scored the match-winning try less than 90 seconds into extra time to seal their fourth consecutive win and overtake Canterbury on the ladder.

Not since 2003 have the Green Machine been placed so high so late in the season, with six games remaining.

Croker, arguably in the form of his career this year, inspired the hard-fought victory with three tries and an assist in front of just under 10,000 fans.

While an entertaining affair, it took a while for both sides to adjust to the cool and windy conditions.

The Warriors were first on the board in the 17th minute, when veteran Manu Vatuvei juggled and dived his way to career try No.150 – 11 years after scoring his first.

Warriors third golden point loss

The visitors dominated possession and field position in the first half, but the Raiders somehow went into the break up 12-4.

Croker scored his side’s first try and set Joe Tapine up for another in the final three minutes before the siren, converting both for an unexpected lead.

He brought up his double on the hour mark, before Joseph Leilua added another in the 68th minute to go 22-4.

But the Raiders conceded three quick tries – two to Thomas Leuluai and the third to David Fusitu’a with just 70 seconds left on the clock.

Issac Luke’s sideline conversion levelled the scores at 22-22 to send them into extra time.

It’s the third instance in four games the Warriors have lost in golden point.

The Raiders play South Sydney on Sunday week at ANZ Stadium, while the Warriors – who lost Vatuvei to an ankle injury – host Penrith on Saturday.

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