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Canberra find answers to second-half woes

3 minute read

Canberra claim they have found a way to fix their second-half issues, as they eye off a spot in the NRL top eight with a win over St George Illawarra.

SIA SOLIOLA.
SIA SOLIOLA. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Canberra believe they have found the solution to their second-half woes in the, changing their mindset to stop the capitulations that have plagued their NRL season.

The Raiders' win over Brisbane on Saturday night marked just their second in nine weeks, ending a horror run of late fade-outs by finally pulling away from a rival.

Despite that, the Raiders still have the worst second-half record of any team this year, with an average scoreline of 16-6 against them after halftime in 2021.

Their form is reminiscent of their 2018 horror show, where they lost six games they were leading in the final 20 minutes of matches.

But Saturday's win marked the first time since round eight they ran more metres in the second half than the first, while also making less errors.

"It was more like chunking, just really simplifying the sets rather than just looking at the bigger outcome of the half," experience forward Sia Soliola said.

"It really helped getting through that period where there were question marks and people probably thought here we go again.

"It was nice the boys had little focuses like that when periods happen.

"We realise if we minimise the opportunities we give to our opponents we can come home with a wet sail at the back end of the half."

Despite their woes, the Raiders can leapfrog St George Illawarra into the top eight with a win over the Dragons on Saturday.

They also have the benefit of stability for the first time since the start of the year as they targets a charge to the finals in the second half of the season.

Canberra's unchanged side for the Dragons clash marks the first time they have run out with the same 17 since the opening two rounds where they went 2-0.

Since then they have dealt with halfback George Williams' ugly exit, the loss of fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad for the year and several players being suspended.

"The changing of the group through injuries and suspensions we had, those disruptions didn't really help," Soliola said.

"The bye couldn't have come at a better time for us (a fortnight ago).

"Now we can just knuckle down and simplify a lot of things so we can smash out the back end of this year."

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