After a long off-season, footy is finally back! Here are six things we are keen to see this weekend when we take on the Gold Coast Titans at GIO Stadium!
Setting the tone
As the Raiders’ travelled to the Gold Coast for the opening round last year, it provided an insight into what was about to unfold.
The Green Machine showed a new found steel in defence as they relished the grinding and gritty nature of the match as they didn’t allow the Titans to score.
On the back of last year’s results, the Raiders will be looking to start in a similar manner at home as they look to set the tone for 2020.
Bushfire Relief
It was a horrific summer for a lot of people in our region and the Raiders will be raising awareness and funds this Friday night as part of the NRL’s Round For All.
Our match day charity, the Salvation Army will be collecting funds at the game for those effected by the bushfires. In addition to this, junior footy teams from the South Coast have been invited to feature in mini footy as well.
ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS), ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES), ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R), ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS), ACT Community Fire Unit (CFU), ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA), NSW State Emergency Service (NSWSES) and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) receive free entry into the game. ID is to be shown at a Ticketek window to receive a General Admission Ticket.
International Spine
George Williams is set to make his NRL debut for the Canberra Raiders this weekend alongside Jack Wighton in what is a mouth-watering combination.
George Williams tries Aussie foods
In the trial match against the Bulldogs, Wighton looked dangerous every time he ran with the ball, while Williams helped steer the ship. The Englishman is known for his running game and will add an extra dimension to the Raiders’ attack.
The inclusion of Williams also means that the Raiders will have an international representative spine with Williams and Hodgson regulars for England. As well as Wighton and Nicoll-Klokstad having represented Australia and New Zealand in the off-season.
Scottrić
The departures of Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua has caused a reshuffle across of the backline, including Nick Cotric moving to the right wing where he links up with new recruit Curtis Scott.
Their partnership looked to improve across the duration of the trial match and the potential is exciting. Solid in defence and able to bust through tackles, it should be entertaining to watch.
Raiders' right edge has clicked into gear: Cotric
Filling Bateman’s shoes
The story of 2019 was that when one player was absent, another stepped up to the plate.
With John Bateman ruled out due to injury, Corey Horsburgh is likely to fill his shoes in the early stages of the season after being given the chance during the trial.
The young Queenslander impressed in his first season playing NRL and will be one to watch with his no nonsense approach and ability to offload at will.
The Viking Clap
2020 Season Launch
It’s become part of the furniture at GIO Stadium, but it’s something that players old and new relish to run out to.
With memberships at an all time high and the weather looking good for Friday night, there should be an electric atmosphere at the ground.
