Broncos over the Raiders in a thriller

The Brisbane Broncos have prevailed in a close encounter over the Canberra Raiders 24-18 at Suncorp Stadium this evening.

However it could have been a different result with controversy in the latter stages of the game when the video referee deemed Craig Frawley had lost control of the ball in the process of grounding it, a decision that is likely to come under scrutiny on Monday in the round reviews.

Canberra were first on the board in the 16th minute when a cross-field bomb fell into the waiting hands of a slightly nervous David Howell, who juggled it a few times before offloading to Adam Mogg for the first try.

It didn't take long for the Broncos to reply through Leon Bott, and they hit the front just before half-time when Scott Minto latched onto the pass after Brent Tate's burst through the Raiders defensive line.

A great effort in the first half by Canberra, holding the Broncos attack inside their own half for most of it, though unlucky to be trailing 10-6 at the main break.

The Raiders scored two tries in three minutes at the start of the second half, Phil Graham's intercept was followed by a Jason Croker cross-field bomb that landed in the hands of Lincoln Withers.

Graham was very unlucky, in the 64th minute, not to have a second four-pointer to his name when he stepped on the touchline.

Brisbane were able to edge ahead again with a double to skipper Darren Lockyer, his second notched with eight minutes remaining.

Next round, the Raiders host the Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, while the Broncos tackle Manly at Brookvale Oval. Both matches on Sunday afternoon.

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