BY DAN The next 10 days will tell us a lot about the 2021 Canberra Raiders. After what can only be described as a soul destroying loss on Saturday evening, the Green Machine has hit its lowest point in over two years. The last time they were out of the eight it was 2018. I … More The Ten Day Test
BY DAN The Canberra Raiders’ 35-10 loss to the Parramatta Eels was the most disappointing performance of this era. Their vaunted middle was destroyed. Their edges collapsed under relentless targeting. There was little offered in attack other than errors and hesitant shuffling. This wasn’t the end of Canberra’s contender-ship, but they need to address several … More Raiders Review: The Precipice
BY DAN The Canberra Raiders have been kicked in the nuts by fate, with reports emerging that Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad could miss up to two months with a bulging disc in his neck. The injury itself is scary, and we hope that Charnze takes all the time he needs to get healthy. Apparently surgery may be … More The cost of the CNK injury
BY DAN For the second time this year the Canberra Raiders found themselves playing a hooker/lock utility as a back-rower on the weekend. It didn’t work out, and for the second time this season the Milk walked away with nothing. Questions should be asked as to whether the current bench make up best supports Canberra … More Roster Management
The Canberra Raiders 30-10 loss to the Penrith Panthers was an important reality check. The Panthers were fast and ferocious. They tested and tormented the Milk for the entire 80 minutes, and while beaten, Canberra did not wilt. There is plenty to improve, and a gap to cover over the rest of the season if … More Raiders Review: The Bar
BY DAN Before this season started (in fact, before last season ended) we made the case in these pages that the role of Sia Soliola in 2021 would be as much off the field as on. The travails of COVID, and the impact of the coward Peter V’Landys giving money hand over fist back to … More The Value of Experience II
BY DAN The Canberra Raiders “only” scored 20 points on the weekend, and combined with some other discussion points, this has led to people (including the man-child football commentator and coach Brad Fittler) to question their ability to score points, and therefore their legitimacy as a contender. Before we get too carried away with disagreeing … More Misplaced worry?
BY DAN A mere six days after restoring the sanctity to the Canberra Raiders right edge against one of the most damaging runners in the game, Hudson Young will have to do it all again this Friday. Last week he held David Fifita in relative check. The Titan had 150m on the ground but it … More Another Week, Another Test
BY DAN The Canberra Raiders 20-4 victory over the Gold Coast Titans was mature, hard-fought and critical. Whereas last week they had all the heart and none of the troops, this week the Raiders mustered both, and what resulted was a gutsy and resilient defensive display. A win like this does not make a season … More Raiders Review: The Grind
BY DAN Normally I wouldn’t jump in to discuss the team list but I think Ricky Stuart made some interesting statements about the depth-chart and style of play he wants to pursue going forward. Before I get carried away, it’s worth noting the inherent uncertainty in the naming of this squad. Sticky loves a smokescreen, … More Team list quick thoughts
