I don’t know about you, but the Raiders break has done me wonders!
After watching 8 years of NSW misery come to a glorious end, I feel invigorated, renewed and ready to go!
I now find myself in the weird position of cheering against Wednesday night’s heroes, but it’s a position I’m more than willing to accept.
So Mr Hodkinson, and Mr Reynolds, your services were appreciated at Origin level, but I care not for you come Friday night.
I’ll tell you what I do care for. I care for a spirited Raiders effort that defies the juicy odds.
I care for a rested Green Machine that rises above the adversity and the talk of the naysayers.
I care for a Raiders team who can play for those of us who are here through thick and thin.
I care for a Raiders team who are here to put some pride back into that beautiful lime green jersey.
And I care for Friday night footy! At last, it’s here!
It’s a rare event and boy oh boy I hope we celebrate it with a win.
I’m pretty sure Des Hasler has had more compliments for the referees, than the Raiders have enjoyed free to air games.
This is our chance to get a big win and look pretty for the no doubt millions of people who have been dying to see the Raiders play. And I mean millions!
So aside from being beamed into an audience of millions, there’s plenty to like about this match up.
A quick look at the Bulldogs line up doesn’t have me worried.
That backline looks worse than the rusty line out the back of my house and nowhere near as dangerous.
I’d sooner risk a role in the Raiders defensive line against the likes of Corey Thompson than I would on that tetanus trap masquerading as a clothes line!
Mr Allwood, welcome back and I trust you can shut Corey ‘who?’ Thompson down.
The forward pack is where the action is in this one. The dogs are all front.
If our boys muscle up against big boppers Sam Kasiano and James Graham, we’ll go a long way towards taking this one out.
Outside of the forwards battle, it’s very important that as much traffic as possible is aimed at the NSW halves.
Those boys have got to be feeling the fatigue and taking advantage of it is a no brainer.
The rest… It’s all about heart. We’ve all endured a rough couple of weeks and as a result, there are few negative nellies armed with their negative talk.
Listen to none of it. Rug up, get out to Canberra stadium and show the boys you’re still positive about our future.
C’mon Raiders!!!!
