Canberra’s straight-sets NRL finals exit exposed the fact that they were only the sixth-best defensive side this season – which was rammed home by a moment against Cronulla that sparked their demise.

After a 32-12 loss to the Sharks in their elimination semi-final, the Raiders’ fatal flaws were dissected by the Fox League panel.

Here is why, having lost just three games in the regular season, they were sent packing from September with two defeats on the trot — becoming the first minor premiers in 16 years to suffer that fate.

Semi Final NRL Sep 20 7:50pm AEST FT Raiders 12 Sharks 32 MATCH CENTRE *Odds are current as of 21st September 2025, 1:29am AEST VIEW ALL SCORES NRL Sep 21 4:05pm AEST Bulldogs Panthers MATCH CENTRE $3.56 $1.30 *Odds are cur

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