Player ratings for the Canberra Raiders in their preliminary final clash with Melbourne Storm.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad: A tough night at the back. Marched backwards in defence too often. Never stopped trying but not able to have the same impact on the game he did in the semi-finals. 4/10
2. Semi Valemei: Given a torrid time under the high ball and caught out as Vunivalu scored the Storm's third try but produced some powerful runs in the second half. 4
3. Jarrod Croker: Missed a tackle on Vunivalu in the Storm winger's first half try and unsighted in attack. 3.5
4. Jordan Rapana: Exposed badly at right centre in the Storm's opening two tries and some highly questionable moments in attack including some costly non-passes before eventually offloading for Cotric's second. Should be his last game as a centre. 3
5. Nick Cotric: Impressive work for Canberra's first try and some strong carries in the second half. Denied a second he should have scored by the old goat Cam Smith before nabbing a simple late consolation try. 6
6. Jack Wighton: Couldn't find the game-breaking moments he has been able to produce so often this year. Effort was there but very well contained. 4
7. George Williams: Kicking game was magnificent with some pinpoint shots to force three repeat sets and put it on a dime for Cotric's try. Running game dangerous in the second half. His team's best next to Bateman. 7.5
Rapana flicks a pass to Cotric for his second
8. Josh Papalii: Canberra's slow start wasn't his fault but nor was he able to stop it. A quiet game to finish a mighty year. 4.5
14. Siliva Havili: Caught on the hop as the Storm exploded out of the blocks and caught flat-footed on opening try. Was asked to stay out there longer than he probably should have been. 4
16. Hudson Young: A tireless 55-minute spell in the middle from the opening whistle. Almost 100 metres and 32 tackles. 7
11. John Bateman: Finishes his NRL career as the best player in a losing team. A constant headache with his running game, belligerent in defence. A high-class effort despite few opportunities. 7.5
12. Elliott Whitehead: Scratchy start to the game as the Storm bolted out of the blocks with some uncharacteristic errors as the game wore on. Not his night. 3.5
13. Joseph Tapine: No eye-catching moments this week but one of his team's busiest in terms of both runs and his team-high 39 tackles. Big effort in a losing cause. 7
Cotric gets one back for Canberra
Interchange:
9. Tom Starling: Bafflingly held back until well after half time. Added plenty of spark when he finally got on but it was just too late by then. 5
15. Dunamis Lui: Given just 25 minutes through the middle of the contest and bent the line with a few carries but no real impact on the contest. 4
10. Iosia Soliola: Sparingly used after reverting to the bench on game day with less than half an hour on field but was solid while on. 4
17. Corey Harawira-Naera: Added plenty of energy when injected midway through the first half and helped turn the tide Canberra's way for a brief period. 4.5
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.