Jake Clifford leads Cowboys to key win over Raiders

Jake Clifford delivered a standout performance as the Cowboys snapped their early-season losing streak with a 30-20 win over the Raiders in steamy conditions at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.

In front of nearly 19,000 fans, Clifford scored a double and had a hand in another as the Cowboys posted 22 unanswered points to turn an early 8-0 deficit into a 16-8 halftime lead.

“It was a gritty performance,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.

“We had some anxious moments, defending with 12 men, but the boys showed real desire. They wanted it more.”

Cowboys v Raiders NRL Round 4 highlights

The Raiders started the better of the two sides, with Joe Tapine powering over in the 12th minute to mark his return from suspension.

But they failed to capitalise further, and Clifford made them pay, sparking a first-half blitz.

Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi scored their first after some slick ball movement before Clifford pounced on a Raiders error and later latched onto a Tom Dearden kick to complete his double.

Rookie winger Robert Derby added another after halftime — his first in the NRL — with a freakish assist from Clifford off a ricochet.

Trailing 22-8, Canberra clawed back into the contest. Xavier Savage soared above Scott Drinkwater to mark his 50th NRL game with a try, and Savelio Tamale crossed soon after while Coen Hess was in the sin bin for repeated infringements.

However, a missed opportunity from Savage — choosing not to pass to an unmarked Owen Pattie after a break — proved costly.

Minutes later, Cowboys captain Tom Dearden sealed the game with a powerful solo effort, with the Cowboys starting the game as $1.88 favourites with top online bookmakers.

• 

  Fast Payouts

Payten was satisfied with the response after three frustrating weeks.

“We stayed composed,” he said.

“It got a bit wobbly in the second half, but they found a way to win.

“That’s what I’m most proud of.”

For the Raiders, it was a case of what might have been.

“I thought our attack was poor tonight,” coach Ricky Stuart said.

“We had momentum early and didn’t make it count.

“They were probably prepared to work longer in the game than we were.”

Stuart backed under-fire fullback Kaeo Weekes after a shaky night under the high ball.

“He’s a talented footballer. I’ve got no dramas with Kaeo,” he said.

“He’s our fullback and he’s got the support of the group.

The result continued North Queensland’s dominance over Canberra, with Payten now holding a 7-1 record against his former mentor.

Sports news