Bulldogs too strong for struggling Raiders

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LAST week Des Hasler called for changes to the State of Origin schedule after the Bulldogs crashed to their third straight defeat without their superstar halves combination who were away on NSW duties.

But last night Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson both admitted the experience of playing for the Blues is going to make them even better players as the focus returns to club football and the run home to the finals.

Backing up two nights after NSW's historic victory, Reynolds and Hodkinson were instrumental in Canterbury's hard-fought 22-14 victory over Canberra that gave the former competition leaders their first win in a month.

The Raiders try their best to stop Tony Williams. Source: News Corp Australia

Reynolds set up two crucial tries leading up to half-time and landed a fantastic 40/20 kick, while Hodkinson inspired another vital try early in the second half that basically killed off the Raiders for the night.

"To get two wins in three days is a pretty great feeling," a jubilant Reynolds said after walking off the same field he made his debut on in the corresponding game three years ago.

Hasler said Hodkinson was actually ruled out of the game on Thursday with a cork.

But after passing a late medical Hodkinson said he wanted to pay back his Canterbury teammates after missing their last three losses.

"It still doesn't feel real at the moment," Hodkinson said.

"Obviously (Origin) has given me a bit more confidence, no doubt, having a couple of Origins under my belt.

Drury Low scores his second try of the night for Canterbury. Source: Getty Images

"Hopefully I can bring that experience and confidence back to the Bulldogs.

"We'd had a few losses lately so we were desperate for a win leading into the bye and Manly the week after."

After the game Reynolds looked like he could have fallen asleep on his feet as he stood outside the Bulldogs dressing rooms talking to the media.

But asked what benefit he would get out of playing in a winning Origin series, he said:

"The best way to describe it is it helps me get a bit mentally tougher.

"Me and Trent wanted to come back here tonight and bring energy to the boys and just show them we were here to play."

They certainly did that.

Jarrod Croker got the home side off to a good start but they could keep it up. Source: Getty Images

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With the Raiders keen for a big game on a nightclub legends gathered for the 20 year reunion of their 1994 premiership winning team, the home team started strongly to claim an 8-4 lead.

But Reynolds blindsided them in the countdown to the break when he laid on rapid fire back-to-back tries.

Quick hands from Reynolds created space for Corey Thompson to score in the 33rd minute and a brilliant sideline conversation from Hodkinson put the Dogs ahead for the first time in the match.

Josh Reynolds gets some close attention form the Raiders. Source: News Corp Australia

Two minutes later Reynolds was at it again when he produced a magnificent 40/20 kick — and from the next set Drury Low crossed for his second try to give the Bulldogs a 14-8 lead at the break.

Not to be outdone by his Blues halves partner, Hodkinson then sparked the Bulldogs' fourth try in the 50th minute with a terrific kick chase forcing a crucial mistake from Reece Robinson who dropped the ball while attempting to get himself back into the field of play.

Hodkinson's desperate defence forced the error as Tim Lafai swooped on the loose ball to score as the Dogs went to a 20-8 lead.

NSW Origin hero Trent Hodkinson has no problem backing up for the Bulldogs. Source: News Corp Australia

The match ended up four tries to two in Canterbury's favour after a late try to Anthony Milford at least gave the small crowd of 10,873 a late cheer on what turned out to be another disappointing night as the temperature dipped below zero degrees.

The loss leaves Canberra's finals' hopes on life support with Ricky Stuart's team stuck on 10 competition points after slumping to their eighth defeat in their last 10 matches.

But after the game Stuart was positive about the team's effort, if not their execution.

"I can't knock their effort, gee, they just never, ever give in," Stuart said.

"A lot of other teams would like to have what we have got in that regard but I'd like to be able to complete sets like other teams."

CANTERBURY 22 (D Low 2 T Lafai C Thompson tries T Hodkinson 3 goals) bt CANBERRA 14 (J Croker A Milford tries J Croker 3 goals) at GIO Stadium. Referee: Alan Shortall, Ashley Klein.

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