BY DAN

Prime time baby

Call it a side benefit of the NRL’s foray into the USA in search of markets and hope. The Raiders start the season on Thursday night, standalone, against the Knights. I’m sure the league would love to see a repeat of their semi final from 2023. It seems the broadcasters aren’t happy, but it’s in the books now. Huzzah for motocross.

In addition to a rare free-to-air TV game in a non-origin affected round, it’s an advantage to get this one in round one. There’s no short turnaround into the game, and a fat one after to reflect and adjust from the first outing. I’m sure Stick and the boys will use it wisely. No one get arrested please.

Tv Games

Speaking of free-to-air TV games the Raiders have six on Channel 9. It’s a solid number for the club but I’m sure the “home of footy” is complaining it has to be that many. Indeed it’s down from a trend line that had kept the Raiders at seven or more in recent seasons.

If you don’t have pay tv this is often the only chance you get to see them play, not to mention the importance to the club for sponsorship visibility purposes.

Bye location

The Raiders have lucked out again, avoiding byes in the early rounds. Instead they again get them in round 10, 14 and 19. You’d probably prefer better spacing (the early one earlier and the late one later) but at least they didn’t get one too early when it’s practically a waste.

The start

Three of their first four games are on the road, comprising tough trips to Newcastle, New Zealand, and Shark Park. That’s three of last year’s top six teams, all away from home, all before the weather gets cold. Given they’re potentially piecing together a new spine while managing these road trips, it could be a slow start for the Milk.

The hard bits

That’s not the only hard bit. The Raiders bookend that opening tour with a mirrored closing one, playing away to the Cows, Roosters and Dragons in the last four rounds of the competition. The good thing is their lone home game there is against the Panthers. Yeeesh. It’s either a quiet way to let a bad season die or hard prep for the finals.

Magic Round

There are fun bits. Importantly the Raiders get their seemingly annual Magic Round game against the Bulldogs, notably to kick off the event on the Friday evening. Last year’s version was a high scoring affair that would have been a heap of fun for neutral fans (instead of the dark pain it was for Raiders fans). 2021 was chaos in the form of Papa’s send off, and Hodgson inserting himself to save the day. They’re three-for-three against the Dogs in Magic Round. Let’s hope they add another victory so Canberrans can saviour the celebration of football.

Wagga

No Wagga! Denied!

Short turnarounds

Just the one, against the Sea-Eagles in round 9, which is helpfully followed by their first bye. Chalk it up as a schedule loss (I absolutely will not and will write 2000 words complaining if we lose).

Game times

Four 6pm Friday games. Curse you NRL. That is disgusting.

Strength of schedule

Each year we write about how much too much weight is put in this. Two games against the Sharks is good right? We’ll beat them every time we play them until we don’t. We also double down on the Cows, Tigers, Manly, Dogs, Warriors, Knights and Roosters. Might matter. Might not. We’ll know next year.

Milestone watch

Papa has a 300 coming up this season and Taps has a 200 on the way. By my count, and pending injury, suspension and the wrath of Ricky, Papa’s will happen against the Bunnies in round 21. Tapine’s will be round 12 against the Roosters. Both at home. Rick will be pleased.

Notably Papa’s 300 might be Jack Wighton’s first non-Raiders game in Canberra. Man it would be cruel if he won and Papa lost. Maybe Stick will rest Papa after all.

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