BY ROB

After what seems like an age we’ve finally arrived at Round 1 of the 2024 NRL season. Trial matches, done. All-stars, done. The hyperbole of the Vegas experiment is over, at least in the physical sense. We can now get stuck into the season proper. The Green Machine, now with exciting new parts, are picking up where they left off, squaring up against the Knights.

These two teams gave us what was arguably The Game of the finals in 2023, with only the rollercoaster grand final matching or surpassing it for entertainment value. Newcastle fans will be hoping that their side can scale even greater heights this year, while Canberra fans will be keen for positives as they begin a transition into the next era of Raiders players (and escape the long media shadow cast by one Jack Wighton).

Changes

Sticky has clearly decided to reward those who stepped up during the trials, coupled with a nod towards experience over youthful enthusiasm. Ethan Strange has the #6 after a very solid performance during the second trial match. The idea of having not one but two functional, thinking halves has me feeling slightly giddy. Elliott Whitehead is sidelined with a calf injury, meaning Stuart can crowbar both Zac Hoskings and Morgan Smithies into the forwards, with Hoskings taking up Smell’s spot in the second row while Smithies is the lock. Danny Levi has nabbed the starting hooker spot (fireworks in the skies above Danny Levi island, apply now for citizenship!).

For the backline Sticky has opted for four dependable heads and the electric speed of Savage. Rapa is fullback, flanked by Cotric and Timoko, who in turn are flanked by Hopoate and Savage. There is logic in these selections, particularly from a defensive aspect – Stuart wants men who can hold the line on the edges, as well as muscling up for dirty carries early in sets.

The final surprise is the bench selection – three forwards! Starling has his usual back-up hooker spot, joined by Guler, Mariota and Saulo. I would assume that Guler and Mariota have the task of replacing Papa when he tires, while Saulo is a good stand-in for Tapine given the energy with which he attacked the line during the trials.

The Opposition

The Knights have become something of a bogey team for the Raiders in recent years, often using their speed on the edges to pry open defensive weak points. They were one of the form teams in the back half of ’23 and will be keen to hit the ground running in 2024. If captain Ponga is in the groove they can score points quick smart, often with mid-range tries. The Raiders will need to be wary of early-set shifts heading towards the edges, where the Knights exploit the power of Best and Marzhew to break the line.

Match-ups

Timoko vs Best

Timoko is without a doubt one of the top 5 centres in the NRL, and in this match he goes up against a veteran who has achieved everything (bar the all elusive premiership). Best has gotten exactly that of plenty opposing in recent times and is perhaps the only player in the league that can match Timoko for raw power. How fun!

Smithies vs Elliott

The Raiders new cult hero faces off with a former one-season revelation in green. Elliott came to the Raiders seeking redemption and rehabilitation, and through his hard running and deft passing he quickly amassed an appreciative fan base amongst those who bleed green. His stay was only a short one, as the Knights tabled an offer too good to refuse. Smithies is the latest in Canberra’s now decade-long romance with players from England and looks to be another positive signing in the vein of Hodgson and Whitehead. Expect him to get through a mountain of defence, along with (hopefully) some exciting input in attack.

Rookie Radar

It’s time to get Strangely Savage! Strange’s excellent showing during the second trial sees him holding the five eighth spot and you can bet Stuart will have been reinforcing the need for that cool composure to help point the Raiders in the right direction. Savage (yes we all know he’s played a handful of games, but think of this as a rookie reset year for him) has a chance to back-up his trial efforts with more tough carries early in sets. If the Raiders can get on top and move the ball he’ll be given plenty of chances to showcase his speed on the way to the line.

In Conclusion

This is arguably one of the tougher ways to start a season. The Knights can be tricky to handle, and MacDonald Jones stadium has gained “Fortress” status over the last 12 months. The Raiders need to find that perfect mix between calm discipline and energetic footy – and maybe a dash of hot blood and courage!

Raiders by 10!

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