On Old Boys’ day, a new breed of Raiders are creating their own legacy

In front of a packed home crowd, Canberra celebrated Old Boys’ day.

In years to come, the locals may well gather to celebrate the feats of this generation of Raiders. The Green Machine posted an eighth consecutive win, a 40-16 victory against a plucky Parramatta, to remain at the top of the NRL ladder.

After coming back from a half-time deficit, Ricky Stuart’s men ran away with it to win their 13th game from their last 14 starts. The minor premiership is theirs to lose.

It appeared Canberra would do it in a canter after racing out to a 12-0 lead after eight minutes, and the final scoreline suggests it was just that. However, the Eels scored three tries in the opening stanza to threaten a monumental upset.

The visitors produced some slick football in front of a stunned crowd that included the axed Dylan Brown. However, they again faded badly against a Raiders outfit that piled on three tries in the final eight minutes.

Jed Stuart and Owen Pattie finished with doubles, the main beneficiaries after the hosts finished with 64 per cent possession in the second half.

Jed Stuart scores against the Eels.Credit: Getty Images

A victory is the result of dozens of pivotal moments. Whether it was Kaeo Weekes somehow holding up Josh Addo-Carr over the tryline or Corey Horsburgh freeing his right arm and getting away an audacious flick pass, the Raiders produced the majority of them.

Once they gained momentum for a second time, there was no stopping them. There were moments when Ethan Strange resembled the great Laurie Daley, as the current mob paid homage to previous generations of the Green Machine. When the pivot pounced on a kick ahead at the death from Jed Stuart, GIO Stadium erupted.

Brown’s future club values him at $13 million. His current one, still a live chance of earning the wooden spoon, doesn’t believe he’s a first grader. Jason Ryles has made some bold calls early in his tenure as Parramatta coach, including letting Clint Gutherson and Regan Campbell-Gillard go. Dropping Brown was as big as any of them.

It gave Joash Papalii the chance to wear the No.6 jersey and a chance to prove he should retain it long term. The rookie had some good moments, although a rush of blood when he pushed the ball over the sideline was one he’d like to have again.

“I thought Joash did a really good job today,” Ryles said.

“We’re going to keep working with him and developing him. He’s got the first opportunity there.”

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