Raiders 19
Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson kicked two field goals in the last three minutes to give his side a historic third straight season opening NRL win over the Raiders in Canberra today.
The Warriors were down 13-6 at halftime and trailed 19-12 deep into the second half before a converted try to hooker Issac Luke saw them roar back within one point of the home side with three minutes remaining on the clock.
Johnson then stepped up to deliver twice for his side with replica field goals stealing victory from the jaws of defeat and giving the visitors three wins to start a campaign for the first time in the club's history.
The result was their second away win following their round one triumph over Souths in Perth and last week's home victory over the Titans, while the luckless Raiders remain winless to start their campaign following consecutive 30-28 defeats to the Titans and Knights over the past fortnight.
The win also ends the Warriors four-game losing run against Canberra and gives them just their fourth win in 16 visits to the Australian capital.
The Raiders scored two first half tries through Siliva Havili and Elliot Whitehead, with the Warriors hitting back through centre Peta Hiku before Canberra No7 Sam Williams kicked a field goal for a 13-6 halftime lead.
Raiders left wing Nick Cotric got his side's third try early after the resumption and captain Jarrod Croker kicked a penalty to put them 13 points clear, before the Warriors came back with second-rower Tohu Harris scoring their second to help them back to 19-12.
The Warriors missed several scoring chances and their winning run looked certain to end before Luke darted over with Johnson's third conversion setting up a grandstand finish.
The Stephen Kearney-coached side were forced to defend for long periods and scrambling defence saw captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck save two tries while Luke prevented a third, but a lack of patience, errors and poor execution saw them fail to capitalise on scoring chances while ill-discipline proved costly.
The composure that marked their last two performances was lacking and their kicking game and last tackle options were often lacking with both halves kicking it dead to give Canberra seven tackle sets and a first-half bomb from Johnson going out on the full.
Forward and misdirected passes ruined promising attacking raids but the Warriors continue to defy their critics and showed the tenacity and belief to clinch the result when all hope looked lost.
The will look to continue to their winning and claim a third away victory when they meet the Roosters in Sydney next Saturday, before hosting consecutive home games against the Cowboys and Broncos.
Warriors 20 (Peta Hiku, Tohu Harris, Issac Luke tries, Shaun Johnson 3/3 cons, 2 field goals)
Raiders 19 (Siliva Havili, Elliot Whitehead, Nick Cotric tries, Jarrod Croker 2/3 cons, 1 pen, Sam Williams field goal)
