With two solid wins on the trot, this season just keeps looking better.
Not one to throw a jinx on the mighty Raiders, they’ve already shown they have it in them to be more than just competitive in 2016.
They say possession wins you games. Well ‘they’ were wrong about that.
The first half against the Roosters certainly didn’t go to plan.
Injuries, dropped balls, you name it. The boys had just about everything go against them.
You could have been forgiven for thinking, ‘not one of these games again!’
But the fighting spirit shown in that second half was beyond words. It was incredible.
As a fan of the Raiders since the time I could breathe, last week’s win was one of the best I can remember. Those are the types of games that make you fall in love with the Raiders all over again.
Only 15 blokes available? No worries. 12 men on the field? No worries. Lost a starting half? No worries.
Every one of those boys stood up and played for each other. You don’t get through those games with a win if you don’t have the right attitude.
It was a proud win for the boys and the crowd loved every minute of it. Well maybe not every minute, but certainly the final minute!
By the end of the game, the 12,000 in attendance sounded more like 20,000. Absolutely brilliant!
But enough gloating. It is round 3 this weekend and it’s a very long season indeed.
The Raiders should be pumped for this clash against the so far below par Newcastle Knights.
On paper, the boys should be confident, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets a little nervous before ‘should win’ games.
Any complacency that might be around should be pushed aside. This is the NRL after all, one of the world’s closest competitions year in year out.
Newcastle will be stinging after their start to the year and despite looking like they couldn’t beat an egg, they’ll be looking to restore some pride.
It’s important our boys continue to stand up and keep the positive momentum going.
The season is full of swings and roundabouts, so it’s important to capitalise on good form while you can.
So whether you’re lucky enough to get to Newcastle this weekend or you’re watching on the boys via the telly, cheer loud and proud.
Again, I don’t want to jinx the mighty Raiders, but there’s definitely something in the air already in 2016.
There’s a great feeling amongst Raiders fans I haven’t sensed for a few years now and it’s brilliant.
Go Raiders!
CLICK HERE to read the NRL Raiders v Knights match preview.
