Raiders race away to big win over Eels as fullback Jordan Rapana suffers knee injury
The Raiders raced clear of the Eels with a dominant 41-8 victory at GIO Stadium but the win was marred by an injury to fullback Jordan Rapana.
The club favourite left the field injured after breaking down with a knee complaint just three minutes into play.
Rapana was tended to by the Raiders' medical staff before limping off with assistance.
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Jordan Rapana clutches at his knee. Fox League
It initially looked like Rapana may have suffered a devastating ACL injury, however it was later reported that the injury was a possible kneecap dislocation. The club then told Fox League the 34-year-old may have damaged his meniscus.
After making his way down to the sheds, the 34-year-old later returned to the bench with his knee strapped, refusing to be ruled out of the encounter.
Canberra centre Sebastian Kris opened the scoring as the Raiders executed a length-of-the-field try before Xavier Savage bolted downfield to score.
Jamal Fogarty finished the first half with a conversion, penalty goal and last-minute field goal as the Raiders took a 13-nil lead into the main break.
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Rapana returned after half time but immediately looked in strife as his knee concern plagued him.
Raiders centre Matt Timoko kicked off the scoring in the second half with a stunning solo effort.
He successfully grounded the ball in the corner as the rest of his body remained suspended in the air — all while being tackled into touch by Dylan Brown.
Timoko finished the match with a double after scoring again in the 78th minute.
Maika Sivo was the only try scorer for Eels, barging over in the 47th and 71st minutes.
The Raiders added tries to Danny Levi, James Schiller and Hudson Young as the margin grew.
Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard was placed on report twice for two separate high tackles.
In addition to the injury concern attributed to Rapana, lock Corey Horsburgh was subbed out of the match in the second half with an abdominal strain.
