Canberra has got away with the flaws and lapses in their game the last three weeks, as they have played out of form or under strength opposition. Their coach Ricky Stuart knew this and feared the Broncos would be more ruthless if they didn't improve their discipline. He was proven correct, with a number of unforced errors and some terrible defensive reads by the left edge gifting the Broncos an 18-0 half-time lead. It was a reality check for the Raiders, who found out firsthand they have plenty of work to do to contend for a premiership. Down just 6-0 at the time, Jordan Rapana's poorly advised offload was crucial. The winger attempted to pass the ball with three defenders hanging off him 20 metres from his own line. Brisbane scored off the next set through Darius Boyd and it was all of a sudden 12-0.

BOYD SENDS WARNING TO NSW

In many people's eyes, Darius Boyd was unlucky not to be awarded man of the match after his super display in Queensland's Origin I win. The Blues camp wouldn't have liked what they saw from the Broncos No.1 after he toyed with Canberra's edge defence like a cat with a ball of yarn. He simply did what he liked and Canberra's decision making on the flanks on their own try-line was nothing short of woeful. The Raiders' edge defence is a huge concern. They back tracked constantly on their own defensive line and virtually invited the Broncos to score. On the positive side of the ledger, Boyd has stamped himself as the best fullback in the competition right now.

SANTO A POSITIVE AMONGST THE WRECKAGE

As more experienced teammates crumbled around him on the big stage, Zac Santo was solid as a rock at fullback on club debut. In just his second NRL game after a two-year absence, the former Cowboy stopped a try by stripping the ball one-on-one from former Raider Anthony Milford in the first half. He was tested constantly with grubber kicks and bombs but diffused them all in a professional display.

TWO HOOKERS CANBERRA'S BEST ATTACKING WEAPON

Canberra Raiders halfback Aidan Sezer was superb for the Gold Coast Titans last year, but he's struggling to adjust to his new club so far. Aside from a strong kicking game early on he took a number of bad options with Canberra on the attack. His banana kick late in the game set up a try to halves partner Blake Austin, but 14 games in and he's still searching for his best. Canberra's attack has looked best late in games in recent weeks when starting hooker Josh Hodgson is shifted to a first receiver role, and Kurt Baptiste comes off the bench. Baptiste scored two second-half tries in a major positive for Canberra.

SLOW STARTS KILLING RAIDERS

Canberra is one of the best performed teams in second halves this year, and outscored their opposition again after the break on Thursday. But the Raiders keep digging an early hole and against quality opposition, this one proved too difficult to climb out of. They must find a way to bring the same urgency they display when they're behind on the scoreboard at the start of the game. They will only contend consistently against the best sides if they find the solution to this problem before it's too late.