Canberra’s youth brigade has been dealt a heartbreaking introduction to finals footy, after crumbling late to a Reece Walsh-led Brisbane comeback in one of the most eventful games of NRL football ever played.

Seven of the Raiders’ 17 were playing in their first final on Sunday against a Broncos side brimming with talent and post-season experience.

The inexperienced Raiders, led by a double from 23-year-old fullback Kaeo Weekes and a try to 21-year-old five-eighth Ethan Strange, were electric as they ran out to a 16-point lead in the second half.

But their right edge defence was tested by a red-hot Walsh after the Broncos fullback returned to the field from the sin bin and scored or set up three tries to take the game to extra time.

The Raiders thought they had done enough to secur

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