BY ROB

Welcome back dear Rumblers!

Firstly, my apologies for the lack of a Rumble in the lead up to the first trial last weekend. Silly old me never thought to check when the game was happening last week, and so I was caught on the hop when social media alerted me to the fact that kick-off was only a few hours away on Friday afternoon.

Luckily Dan is much more locked in, giving us all a lovely first Raiders Review for 2026.

The team list for this second trial is significant as much for its omissions as it is for its inclusions both new and returning. The bulk of the first string squad remains sidelined, with Sticky opting to cut a few of the proto-debutantes from last week in order to squeeze in some senior players who need to be gently warmed up in the pre-season microwave that is February.

The starting lineup is a balanced mix of seasoned players, new recruits (Daine Laurie and Jayden Brailey) and youngsters like Ethan Alaia and Jalen Afamasaga in the halves.

Brailey has the starting spot at hooker which means that Pattie is back to the bench with Stuart trying to gauge which one is more ready for the bench spot come round one. The prevailing thought (Dan’s theorising aside) is that Pattie will be the bench option for the season proper, with Brailey steering the NSW cup while serving as backup if needed.

To write about game plans and tactics in a trial preview is a fool’s errand. This is not a cohesive team list in the same way that the senior 17 are. Most trial games are won through a combination of individual brilliance from your own side and a sense of distraction from the opposition.

Having said that the Sharks have fielded a very strong list, with nearly all their seasoned NRL players named in the starting side. Do not be shocked if they walk away from this encounter victorious.

Zac Hosking has been named as captain, with Nicholson serving as co-captain. Sticky has positioned Hosking as a starting prop alongside Mariota and it will be interesting to see how these two mobile forwards go against the Sharks big boppers.

So come 3:45 Saturday arvo flick on the broadcast (Kayo), grab a cold beverage of your choice and a snack and watch as the Raiders take their second step into 2026.

In Conclusion

The odds would favour the more comprehensive Sharks outfit for this one but you should never rule out the chance of an ad-hoc/Baby Raiders upset!

Raiders by 4 while Rob stuff himself with pizza Shapes.

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