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Xavier Savage shines as Raiders beat Warriors 30-8 in Vegas

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Xavier Savage
Canberra Raider’s Xavier Savage shines, scoring 2 tries against New Zealand Wariors in Round 1 of the NRL season.

The Canberra Raiders made a statement in Las Vegas, kicking off the NRL season with a dominant 30-8 victory over the New Zealand Warriors in front of a strong crowd at Allegiant Stadium.

The Canberra Raiders were in control from the outset, with their speed and sharp attack proving too much for a Warriors side still adjusting to life without Shaun Johnson.

Xavier Savage was the star of the show, scoring two tries, including a 90-metre intercept that summed up the Warriors’ struggles in attack.

Luke Metcalf’s wayward pass landed in Savage’s hands, allowing the Raiders winger to race away untouched and extend Canberra’s lead.

Seb Kris also impressed, scoring the first try of the NRL season and adding a second after halftime following a costly Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad error.

Despite a late try from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, the Warriors were unable to mount any serious comeback as the $1.85 rugby league betting favourites pre-game.

Their attack lacked direction, with new halves Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita struggling to generate momentum.

Raiders v Warriors NRL Round 1 Highlights

Warriors coach Andrew Webster will need to address his side’s lack of fluency after they failed to capitalise even when Raiders captain Joseph Tapine was sent to the sin bin for a shoulder charge.

Canberra’s defensive effort was just as impressive as their attack, missing only 12 tackles compared to the Warriors’ 36.

Ricky Stuart’s men looked fast and well-prepared, using their speed to exploit a tiring Warriors pack.

Tom Starling’s quick thinking out of dummy-half set up Savage’s first try, while Matt Timoko’s late long-range effort sealed the result.

With NRL Vegas still in full flight, the headline act Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks is set for a 3:30pm AEDT start with the Penrith Panthers $1.65 bookmaker favourites to kick their season off with a win.

The Raiders now head into a bye before facing the Brisbane Broncos, while the Warriors have plenty to work on ahead of facing the Manly Sea Eagles in Round 2.

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Topics: Canberra Raiders, New Zealand Warriors, NRL, Rugby League

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