Gone is Wednesday’s State of Origin classic and it’s time for some club footy!
Wednesday’s game was one of the best I’ve seen in some time but NSW v Qld is no Canberra Raiders.
For some reason, it feels an age since our last round, but hopefully, we can pick up where we left off.
With the Raiders back in the winning circle, Raiders fans have plenty of reasons to smile again.
Yes, the Roosters were missing some key players, but there were some great signs of just what our boys are capable of.
There was more fluency in attack and defence was tightened that little bit more.
The NRL season is a long one. It’s important to build momentum as it goes.
Things don’t need to be perfect at this time of year, but it’s those little signs of improvement that are vital.
Without them, the season flatlines. For the Raiders in 2017, there will be no flatlining. From here on in, it’s time to go up and up.
And what better way to start it than against the in-form Manly.
The last time we played the team everyone loves to hate, it was a brutal contest, and Manly took the lollies.
It’s time to get our lollies back. To do so, the mighty Green Machine will need to be in full swing.
Manly are getting back to their gritty ways. They play hard, they niggle, and they don’t care who they upset in the process.
Our forward pack will need to fire vs. a pack that will most definitely be ready to fire against us.
And I’m sure fans don’t need any more reminders of Dylan Walker vs… Well vs. the entire Raiders side.
A pest, but an effective pest. You can bet he’ll be out to prove himself again.
But so too will the Raiders have a number of players out to prove who’s boss.
The mighty Raiders pack should be raring to go. Shannon Boyd and Junior Paulo were both unlucky to miss State of Origin selection and can show selectors up against Manly.
Jarrod Croker, perennially unlucky to miss out on Origin selection will also be out to not only embarrass selectors but to put Dylan Walker back in his place.
Jordan Rapana is scoring tries for fun, Nick Cotric building in confidence each game, and Jack Wighton’s form is just getting better and better.
There’s so much in this one for the Raiders and Raiders fans; it’s not to be missed. Sunday 2pm kick off, be sure to tune in. Go the Raiders!!!
