I know there has been a lot of distraction this week, but in Raiders related matters, it was another week that ended in a loss.
The attitude was there but unfortunately, the execution definitely wasn’t.
Any loss hurts, but losing to a team that consisted of 14-15 players for most of the game is particularly frustrating.
Our boys had their chances to put the Tigers away, but it just wasn’t to be.
I can only hope it’s one of those ‘learning experiences’, and the players are better for it.
It was definitely one of those ‘feel sorry’ games.
I felt sorry for Jarrod Croker, who reminiscent of the semi-final against the same team a few years ago, had the chance to win the game with a penalty, but missed.
Realistically, the referees should have let him take the kick and if missed, take it again due to opposition infringements, but it’s all over now. Hard luck Jarrod.
Now for the controversy! I actually felt sorry for James Tedesco.
I can hear some of you choking on your morning tea from here, but it isn’t nice to celebrate any long term injuries.
For an athlete, their body is their livelihood and I think the game is better for having Tedesco’s talent on the field than off it, regardless of the circumstances. Hard luck, James!
Back into less controversial water, I felt sorry for Jack Wighton.
He’s been fantastic since being shifted back to the centres, and now he’ll miss a number of weeks due to a broken thumb. Hard luck Jack!
This week sees the boys have another weekend off due to the bye.
It’s not a great time for the bye as I think the boys need to get back into some consistent footy.
It is frustrating but there are some slow and steady improvements.
Shillo has been great the last couple of weeks and I’d love to see that form continue.
There’s nothing more advantageous for an NRL side than a prop that runs hard with attitude.
Josh Papalii also had a good return, making a line break and setting up young gun, Brenko Lee.
And speaking of Brenko, it was great to see him display a little of what he is so capable of doing.
A big congrats is absolutely in order for his try scoring double.
There’s a lot not to like about losing but there is still a glimmer of hope for some improvement.
So chin up all, there’s still a long way to go.
Hopefully with a bit of rest, we’ll put the sword to the Gold Coast Sunday week, and nobody will remember the Titans!
