Raiders’ Finals Exit Picked Apart by Fittler After Sharks’ Semi Final Win
The Canberra Raiders’ 2025 NRL campaign has come to a crushing end, and Brad Fittler has been quick to point out the key moments that flipped their semi final clash against the Cronulla Sharks. At GIO Stadium, the Raiders were handed a 32–12 defeat, bowing out of the finals in straight sets despite finishing as minor premiers. For the Green Machine, it was a bitter pill to swallow, as the game had been very much alive until the closing stages.
According to Fittler, everything unraveled in just a short two-minute window. It began when Billy Burns broke through for what was described as a soft try, slipping past several Raiders defenders close to the line. That lapse gave Cronulla momentum, and almost immediately after, Canberra had a golden chance to hit back. Sebastian Kris burst into open space, but with support running inside, the pass never came. That missed opportunity loomed large.
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Moments later, a penalty went against the Raiders for what was deemed a high tackle. Sione Katoa appeared to earn it after his head jolted back, though Fittler noted the referees were being “very sensitive” in such situations. From that set, Blayke Brailey was hit high on the fifth tackle, and the Sharks kicked the goal, stretching their lead to eight points. From there, Canberra were unable to mount a response, and the game slipped away.
The late stages saw Cronulla add further tries through KL Iro and Teig Wilton, padding out the scoreboard and ensuring their spot in next week’s preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm. But the sense among experts was that the Raiders had their chances. Billy Slater described it as “one that got away,” pointing to the Kris break as the pivotal missed moment. He explained that if Canberra had finished that play, the game could have been locked at 18–18 with 20 minutes left, setting up a very different contest.
Andrew Johns added another perspective, noting that the absence of Ethan Strange, who was ruled out on game day due to illness, left Canberra without balance in attack. His role on the left edge had been vital all season, and his omission was felt strongly.
Meanwhile, for Cronulla, belief is growing. The Sharks’ ability to seize the crucial moments has propelled them forward, and now the focus shifts to Melbourne, where a place in the grand final is on the line. The Raiders, however, will be left reflecting on those two minutes that defined their season and turned promise into disappointment.
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