BY ROB

If you’d asked Raiders fans how they thought the Green Machine would be travelling after two rounds prior to their round 1 match most of them would have given you a reasonable 1-1 response. The more belligerent optimists among us would have said 2-0, but even they would have tempered that with a not so flash-hot points differential. Yet here we are, two games done and on top of the world (ladder).

The real test now is staying within arm’s reach of that top rung. In hindsight, neither the Knights nor the Tigers had the energy reserves to offer up a staunch 80 minute battle. The Warriors, however, can. Like so many high-fliers from 2023 the Wahs faltered in round 1 and looked as though they might stumble again round 2 as Melbourne assailed them all points on the park. Bring the new Warriors they rallied and took the lead, only to be stunned in the dying moments of the match by Xavier Coates moving in orbit as though directed by Kubrick.

This is one of the worst versions of the Warriors the Raiders can face: a team high on confidence, stinging from the Storm’s acrobatic smugness. Courtesy of the Rugby League Project (a fantastic resource you can find here) you can see that Warriors have the edge in recent contests, including both games from last year.

They won’t be facing the same Raiders side as last year. We’ve seen hints of a Green Machine that likes to get wide earlier and faster in sets, picking at the edge seams between 2nd rowers and halves. The crash balls are still there, for now, but you get the feeling they might wane as combinations and partnerships strengthen through the squad.

Changes

Elliott Whitehead returns to the starting 13 having recovered from a calf injury, pushing in-form super signing Zac Hosking back to the bench. Fans will be hoping that Sticky brings Hosking into the game as quickly as possible, as he has undeniably been one of the standouts in green the last two weeks. The flow on effect sees Ata Mariota drop back to the extended bench. Seb Kris has sadly been rested due to the concussion rule after copping a knock in a strong return last week, with Cotric returning to the 17 at wing while Hopoate shifts to cover Kris at centre.

The Opposition

It feels as though I sometimes write down half the teams in the comp as being bogey sides for the Raiders, but the Warriors seem to occupy a particularly dark corner of the collective Green Machine mind, even when we’ve beaten them recently. If there’s one bright point this week it’s that former Raider and wholesome heartthrob CNK is out with a hammie injury, meaning he won’t be able to terrorise the Raiders edges on sweep plays and the like. The Warriors at home are always a tough proposition, and they’ll surely come out blasting after last week’s heartbreak.

Match-ups

Matt Timoko vs Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Arguably the form centre of the comp up against the prodigal son returned. Timoko eats metres like I sneakily eat choc chip biscuits in the kitchen – frequently and with gusto. He often generates post contact metres with three defenders hanging off him, while his titanium-teak alloy legs pump furiously. RTS was one of the best fullbacks around before he scratched the union itch, but seems to be settling into his role at centre. Can he summon enough of his former power and skill to contain Timoko?

Jamal Fogarty vs Shaun Johnson

It’s Beethoven vs Bach, Picasso vs Van Gogh. The re-shaped Steeden has unlocked a new tier in Fogarty’s kicking game, whether it’s firing long range torpedoes of torment at hapless backs or floating deft cross field kicks to teammates like Hosking to latch onto for a try. Johnson as ever remains one of the most versatile and crafty halves around, being particularly lethal inside the opposition’s redone with his trick bag of short kicks and pinpoint passes.

Rookie Radar

Still the same two youngsters this week. Those of us hoping to see more fresh faces in the top grade may need to wait until later in the season. Injuries (hopefully mild ones) are inevitable, and Stuart may even choose to rest some of his veterans, but for now it’s just Strange and X representing the next generation. Both had strong games against the Tigers, each scoring a try, with Strange also shutting one down with some fiery defence.

In Conclusion

It’s the hardest game yet this year, but I’m confident that this re-energised Raiders squad has what it takes to win across the ditch. The Warriors won’t die wondering, so it’ll need to be an exemplary effort from the men in green if they wish to reign supreme.

Raiders by 8!

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