The Raiders return to GIO Stadium this week and here are five of the things we’re most looking forward to seeing.
Return to GIO Stadium
The NRL season may have kicked off last week but for Canberra fans their first taste of live football will come on Sunday night when the Raiders play at GIO Stadium for the first time in 2018.
It’s been almost seven months since the last Raiders’ home game and everyone is itching to run out in front of the passionate fans.
Gubb’s debut
The bulldozing New Zealand prop, Charlie Gubb, is set to make his first appearance in lime green this weekend.
Gubb will add plenty of power to an already huge forward pack when he comes off the bench on Sunday.
After spending the last five seasons at the Warriors, Gubb will be looking to play his role in helping the Raiders secure their first win of the season.
Havili’s bright start
Siliva Havili reflects on debut
Siliva Havili made a near perfect start to his time at the Raiders last week, crossing for his first NRL try just three minutes into his club debut against the Titans.
There were questions over how the Raiders would cover for the loss of Josh Hodgson, but Havili was a real bright spot last weekend against the Titans.
In addition to his try, the Tongan international provided good service from dummy half as he lay his claim to maintain the number nine jersey in Hodgson’s absence.
The return of the Viking Clap
You can’t help but get goosebumps during the Viking Clap.
Over the last couple of seasons, it has become one of the highlights of game day and we can’t wait for the first clap of 2018.
This year the Viking horn will be placed on the field and the players will run out while The Mighty Green Machine blares around the ground.
Fans will certainly have every opportunity this week to show their passion and support the Green Machine in their first home game of 2018.
The new look Knights
Encounters between the Knights and the Raiders have been thrilling in recent seasons but the Newcastle side will bring a new look side to GIO Stadium this week.
Incumbent NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga headline the new additions and the duo showed their composure in their golden point win against Manly last week.
The Raiders have performed well against the Knights in recent years, having only lost two of their last nine encounters. The Raiders have also won their last three home matches against the Novocastrians.
