BOTH Canberra front-rowers were sent off as the Raiders crashed to a sensational 30-20 loss to St George yesterday in the Australian Rugby League premiership. On a dramatic afternoon the Raiders were pelted with bottles by a hostile Kogarah crowd after the dismissal of props John Lomax and Quentin Pongia. After the match, Raiders players lodged allegations that referee Paul McBlane told star full-back Brett Mullins that 'it is a long season and I can make life tough for you' after issuing a caution.
Lomax was dismissed just before half-time with the Dragons holding a 12-10 lead. Despite playing with 12 men, the Raiders regained the upper hand 18-12 early in the second half. But when Pongia was given his marching orders in the 61st minute, the Raiders ran out of troops. Newcastle produced a remarkable comeback to beat Penrith 24-22 at Penrith. The Panthers dominated the first half, leading 20-4, before falling in a heap. Cronulla also had to come from behind to beat Sydney Tigers 36-16. The Tigers led 16-12 with 20 minutes left before Cronulla scored three late tries.
