BY ROB

24 games, 19 wins, 5 losses, 3 byes. The long journey that started in Las Vegas back in March culminated with the Raiders picking up their first minor premiership in 35 years.

Despite being accused of having a soft draw the Raiders saw off more opponents than any other team, and only lost to a fellow top 8 side once during the regular season. Sure there were those 5 losses, but compared to any other season in recent memory this is the best they’ve had by far.

Much of their success comes down to their new approach to the 80 minutes they play each round. Faced with an uphill battle the Raiders of old would have wilted, but this particular squad seems to relish doing the foundational stuff that allows them to reel opponents in, particularly in the second half of a match.

Indeed it is the second half where they are most improved. For so long they’ve carried the tag of “Faiders”, unable to hold onto what would usually seem like near-insurmountable leads. They have a new modus operandi now – keep pace with the other side, even when they pull ahead on the scoreboard, and then wear them down across the second half before landing the winning blow.

The Broncos have already experienced a second half such as this, back in round 2 when the Raiders posted 20 points after the break. Brisbane tried to mount a comeback but it was too little too late, and the 32-22 score line didn’t demonstrate how utterly dominant the Raiders were straight after halftime.

Smoke and Mirrors

It wouldn’t be finals week without mind games about who might be getting around under an injury cloud. Papali’i is reportedly wearing a moon boot, although Brisbane are convinced this is one of Sticky’s classic pysops. The Broncos meanwhile will have to find a way to get the job done without Reynolds and Mam, with neither player making the extended list released on Tuesday afternoon. Reece Walsh also apparently finished a training session early after experiencing leg issues.

Let’s Get Personnel

The Raiders have the advantage here, particularly with squad consistency. Only two players didn’t line-up against Brisbane back in round 2: Tapine (suspended at the time) and Stuart (not elevated to first grade until round 16 – Hopoate played in place of Savage).

The Broncos meanwhile have undergone serious changes, with Walsh the only one of their preferred spine playing in his correct position. Their halves will be Hunt and Billy Walters with Corey Paix at hooker.

On the Offensive

While they may have tightened things up between round 2 and now the Raiders will be keenly aware that all their points against the Broncos this year have come from close range footy. Expect a lot of red zone input from Strange and Pattie, particularly in the second half when players begin to tire.

The early forecast for Sunday hints at wind speeds between 20-30kph, more than enough to get the ball shifting in the breeze. Fogarty will know if it’s safe to start hefting bombs towards the Broncos backline in the hope of forcing an error. Walsh and Hunt will offer the same to our back three in return.

Shields Up

On the defensive side of things the Raiders have fielded arguably their 17 best when it comes to shutting down the opposition. As much as I love Savage his defensive choices this year have left me and others wincing, and his connection to his two inside colleagues Timoko and Fogarty has definitely been a target for opponents seeking points.

With X sidelined we instead have Jed Stuart, who doesn’t possess the speed of his predecessor but does seem to have better knowledge of when to jam in and when to stay out and mark his opposing winger.

The Raiders have demonstrated plenty of resilient scramble this season and they’ll almost certainly need more of it on Sunday.

In Conclusion

You’ll notice that I haven’t written much about individual players in the previous paragraphs. I don’t have to. We’ve all been a part of this crazy ride, we know what they can do. If they do it right again this Sunday they’ll advance to the Pre-lim, one step closer to that most elusive glory. Lose and they’ll have to go the long way round.

Raiders by an exhilarating 6 points!

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