Raider’s enforcer David Shillington says he’s ready to lead the way for the Raiders in 2010 and can’t wait to take the field this weekend when the Raiders take on the Panthers at CUA Stadium.

Shillington had a magnificent debut year for the Raiders representing both Queensland and Australia and said he’s keen to bring that form into the new season.

“I feel a lot better this year than going into last year, I got a lot out of playing for Queensland and Australia and I’ll try and bring that back to the team and have a big season,” he said. “We have some experienced forwards with Scott Logan, Dane Tilse and Troy Thompson so we’ll need to get the team going forward each week.”

The Raiders engine room will be a key to stopping the Panthers on Saturday night in Penrith and Shillington said the Raiders big men will need to aim up if they are to get the two points.

“The forwards have a big job this weekend to stop the second phase play and shut the ball down but we’re ready to go,” he said. “We have a good pack of forwards who are big and aggressive and we’ll need to be this week up against the likes of Civoniceva, Pritchard and Waterhouse.”

With the off-season coming to a close Shillington said its time for the team to switch on and get ready for a big year and he said the feeling all week had been positive.

“Pre-season ends up going for about four or five months and they train us pretty hard and its hard not having a game each week to put what you’ve been training for into practice,” Shillington said. “So there’s been a big build up and I’m sure all the boys are itching to get out there and play.”

With Tom Learoyd-Lahrs our for the first round new recruit Danny Galea gets a chance to start for the Green Machine and Shillington is confident he’ll be up to the task come Saturday.

“Danny’s been rock solid in the trials and I’m sure he’s keen to get out there and make an impression in front of all the Raiders fans on Saturday night,” he said.