A contentious penalty marred a courageous Canberra victory as the Raiders upset the Broncos 20-14 at Suncorp Stadium.
The loss ends the Broncos’ unbeaten run so far this season.
A gruesome head injury to Jordan Rapana put the brakes on a late comeback from the Broncos, as the incident left the winger bleeding heavily from a gash on his head.
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Rapana was instrumental for the Raiders, scoring their opening two tries.
Having earlier scored the Raiders’ first two tries, the 33-year-old’s night was ended with just under four minutes left to play after copping a stray knee to the head from Martin Taupau.
With a heavy stream of blood instantly flowing from Rapana’s head, he was taken from the field – sitting up – on a medicab.
Despite the collision appearing accidental, Taupau was put on report and penalised.
“Marty’s hands are well above but he put his knees in a careless position and it was a careless action,” referee Grant Atkins explained to Broncos captain Adam Reynolds.
Speaking post-match, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart stressed that the action was unintentional.
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“I feel sorry for Marty Taupau – it was an accident. He didn’t mean to do that,” Stuart told the media.
Expressing no ill feelings towards Taupau, Stuart said the veteran prop sought out Rapana after the game to check on his wellbeing.
“[Taupau] came looking for Jordy and spoke to his parents which is really nice of him,” he said.
“It was an unfortunate collision. These accidents happen in these games.”
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Stuart hoped Taupau would not be suspended but said it was likely a groggy Rapana would likely miss next week’s game with a concussion.
In the Fox Sports commentary box, Steve Roach was immediately incensed by the call, but Corey Parker was in support.
“There’s nothing [Taupau] could have done. It’s completely accidental,” Roach said.
Parker argued: “It’s the careless nature of the challenge that is seeing Jordan Rapana leave the field, so the penalty is sufficient.”
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