Todd Carney repaid the favour, reminding Canberra fans and the club itself why they forgave him last season's errors.

The halfback played a staring role in Canberra's come-from-behind victory 30-24 against the Wests Tigers.

With just minutes remaining he brushed off several Tigers defenders and ran 70 metres to score, handing the Raiders the lead before hat-trick hero Adrian Purtell scored his third try in the 80th minute to finish Wests off.

Canberra kept Wests scoreless in the second half after the Tigers had taken a 24-10 lead into the break.

The only negative for Canberra was referee Sean Hampstead's decision to place reserve Trevor Thurling on report for a lifting tackle.

Carney was well supported by hooker Lincoln Withers although five-eighth Terry Campese had a scratchy game, repeatedly kicking straight down to Tigers fullback Brett Hodgson.

Wests took the lead in the third minute through a Taniela Tuiaki try and new Tiger Matthew Head looked dangerous throughout the opening half.

But the second half was completely different with the Raiders muscling up in defence and Carney taking control of the game, sending the ball long and wide at ease.

It was only a year ago Carney was facing court and was stood down by the club.

But now that will be far from Carney's mind.

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