To say last week was disappointing would be an understatement.
The loss to the Eels could be considered a blip, but there’s no sugar coating the loss to the Sharks. We could have and should have done a lot better.
Without being overly negative, we were seemingly out enthused from start to finish.
Talk amongst the fans pre game revealed a hint of nervousness, and unfortunately those nervous fears were realised.
It started badly, when our boys ran out of the sheds to the wrong side of the field and it finished badly, with a bit of a romp over what was a very tired Raiders line up come full time.
But it’s important to not get swept up in it. When a couple of losses pile up, it’s easy to get caught up in a wave of supporter panic.
When will our next win come? Why are we suddenly playing well below what we’re capable of? Who’s to blame?
These are panic questions that are generally unhelpful. What’s needed is a sense of calm.
Yes, it’s fair to acknowledge it was a rough couple of weeks, but it’s also worth acknowledging it’s only Round 8, and we’re still sitting inside the top 8.
There’s plenty of time for our boys to bounce back and bounce back they will.
It all starts this weekend against the under pressure Wests Tigers.
It’s a game that’s not only one we can win, but really should.
In saying that, it’s still a bit of a danger game and our boys will need to be switched on.
The Tigers haven’t won since round 2, but last week they pushed the Melbourne Storm to the end and were perilously close to a victory.
Any thoughts of this being an easy two points would be very much misplaced.
The Tigers will start the game hard, and be eager to prove themselves. It will be important for the Raiders to start this week well.
A fast start from our boys could severely hamper a Tigers bounce back, while a slow start will only build their confidence.
When firing on all cylinders, our forward pack is one of the best in the comp, and they’ll be keener than most to get back on top.
Our backline has more talent than The X Factor and it will show this season.
It would just be nice if it all came together sooner rather than later.
Raiders fans have been through plenty of ups and downs since the beginning and if anyone knows how quickly it can all turn around, it’s us.
It only takes one week for the praises to be sung again and hopefully we’ll all be singing them come Saturday. Chins up Raiders fans, and be sure to get to GIO Stadium to cheer on the boys! Go Raiders!
MATCH PREVIEW RAIDERS V TIGERS
