Read the weekly column from one of our most passionate members!
A bit of a painful week last week but there was some improvement.
While things haven’t gone our way in 2017, the boys certainly got stuck in against the Storm.
In parts, our defence was terrific. In parts, we showed glimpses of the attack we’re capable of. In parts, we looked the better side.
Unfortunately, those parts didn’t add up to 80 minutes. It’s been the tale of 2017.
They’re the tough times to be a fan. Sometimes, the ‘should’ve won’ or ‘could’ve won’ games are more painful than the big losses.
But tough times build tough fans. The Raiders faithful have showed up week after week, showing the tough times haven’t deterred them.
The Raiders faithful have said en masse, while the performances have earned the 2 points on less occasions that we’d like, we haven’t given up on our side.
For the Raiders themselves are a fabric of the Canberra community. To give up on the men in green is to give up on ourselves.
That’s what’s really at the heart of fan frustration. We care. It’s as if a member of our own family lost on the weekend.
On top of that, we don’t expect the Green Machine to waltz into grand finals, but we know they’re good enough to get there.
This team has talent across the park. Talent that other NRL clubs could only dream about having.
But of course, talent alone doesn’t win premierships. It takes talent, a well drilled side, and a hardened attitude to match.
Players aren’t born with that attitude, they gain it.
Tough times breed tough players. And for what this side has been through, the Raiders are well and truly on their way to becoming a very tough team.
It might not be happening as fast as we would like, Raiders fans, but it will happen. Just hold the faith a little while longer.
There’s still time to finish strong in 2017, but it all starts against South Sydney this Saturday.
It’s time to make them our bunnies. Nothing builds confidence like a win and this is a perfect opportunity.
To do so, it’s going to take a little heart. We’re missing some key troops this weekend so it’s time to lift!
The boys need to lift. And those who can get to Sydney or live in Sydney have the chance to help them do so.
Get to ANZ and show the boys we back them through thick and thin. We’re Raiders fan and we stick together. Go the Raiders!
