‘This was about him’: Raiders reveal comeback inspiration after ‘embarrassing’ start…
The Canberra Raiders pulled off a gritty comeback victory, rallying from an “embarrassing” first-half performance to defeat their rivals in a performance driven by emotion and loyalty. Trailing 18-0 early, the team found renewed fire at halftime after coach Ricky Stuart delivered a passionate message, reminding the players who they were playing for — long-time trainer Johnny McGrath, who is battling illness.
“This was about him,” said co-captain Elliott Whitehead. “We knew we couldn’t let him down.” The Raiders roared back with four unanswered tries, turning a flat performance into one of their most spirited wins of the season. Stuart praised the team’s resilience, calling it “one of the proudest moments” he’s had coaching the Green Machine.
The win not only keeps Canberra in finals contention but also reinforces the deep bonds within the squad. “We weren’t playing for ourselves tonight — we were playing for family,” said Jack Wighton. The comeback was more than just two points; it was a statement of unity, heart, and the will to fight for something greater.
