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 This week Hudson Young and Sebastian Kris go up against possibly the most damaging runner in rugby league. David Fifita has quickly established himself as one of the Titans, and the competition’s most dangerous players. And yet with a *crosses fingers* healthy Young and Kris, the Raiders stand a chance. For two players … More Already critical
BY ROB It’s been something of a rollercoaster in Raider-land over the last five days. Saturday saw them lose to the Warriors, beaten by a mounting injury toll and some truly average officiating. The physical aftermath wasn’t all bad, with both Tapine and Scott having their initial diagnoses revised down to milder injuries. Both will … More Raiders Rumble! Raiders vs Titans Round 4 Preview
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
BY DAN Far out that was a thing hey? First Hudson Young’s injury proved too much to risk. Then Joe Tapine hurt himself in such a way we were all glad it was “just” a rolled ankle. Seb Kris and Ryan James clashed heads and all hell broke loose, meaning Curtis Scott and his broken … More The Way Forward
BY DAN The Canberra Raiders 34-31 loss to the New Zealand Warriors was heartbreaking but not season ending. The precise combination of injuries suffered before the match, and during, created a perfect storm that the Raiders stood against, but eventually could not hold out. Despite the calamity of the loss, Canberra actually furthered their credentials … More Raiders Review: The Silver Linings of Heartbreak
