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Raiders spoil Hunt comeback, down Broncos

Brad WattsAAP
Karmichael Hunt's impressive return to the NRL wasn't enough for the Broncos to beat the Raiders.
Camera IconKarmichael Hunt's impressive return to the NRL wasn't enough for the Broncos to beat the Raiders. Credit: AAP

Code-hopper Karmichael Hunt's impressive NRL return went in vain as his Brisbane side fell to Canberra 38-16 at GIO Stadium.

The 34-year-old - who had not played for the Broncos since 2009, was heavily involved for the Queensland side but did little to stem the seven-tries-to-three beating.

Winless at home since round one this season, the Raiders dominated on a cold Canberra evening, never relinquishing the lead after a fourth-minute try to Sebastian Kris and updating their scoresheet regularly throughout.

Hulking prop Josh Papalii - returning from suspension - was heavily involved in the Raiders' much-needed win, highlighting his brute power after steamrolling through the pack to score a try just after halftime.

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Putting their second-half demons to rest, the Raiders kicked on from their 22-10 advantage at the break to close out the match with another three tries.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said he was delighted to see the Raiders' mojo return.

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"It's simple: we got our fundamentals right tonight both in attack and defence," Stuart said.

"We're nowhere near out of the woods but that's a good start.

"We won't get too excited on that game - if we're a good football team, we need to back it up."

Justifying his State of Origin selection for NSW, hard-running Jack Wighton was outstanding at five-eighth and crossed for a try in the 63rd minute.

He was well supported by fullback Jordan Rapana and hooker Josh Hodgson who also returned to form.

Halfback Sam Williams scored a try and had had five goals for the Raiders.

Already outclassed, the Broncos woes continued in the match when Kobe Hetherington was sent off for a dangerous tackle on second-rower Corey Harawira-Naera in the 59th minute.

Canberra's Kris was also placed on report for a high tackle late in the match.

Veteran Hunt did his best after a circuitous sporting journey that's also seen him play rugby union in France, AFL in Queensland and Super Rugby back in Australia before returning to the 13-man game where it all began on Saturday.

He had a hand in a brilliant scoring effort by nimble winger Tesi Niu just before halftime, and, despite having his left leg heavily strapped, finished with 29 possessions, 20 passes, nine tackles and four kicks at five-eighth.

Niu's effort was bookended by tries to Tyson Gamble and Selwyn Cobbo but the Broncos finished well-beaten.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters said poor defence had again let his team down.

"It certainly has been a problem for us all but we're trying to fix it -without much progress at the moment," he said.

"I guess chopping-and-changing the team, injuries and blokes a bit out of form doesn't help, so that's something we'll have to look at."

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