Oh my goodness, will the pain ever end? Take what you want but please leave the hoodoo. The hoodooooo!
Well we all know that all good records must come to an end but even the Raiders’ biggest optimist would have felt a little empty on Saturday afternoon.
Most painful of all was watching Josh Dugan collect himself a try. Please, anyone but him!
There were times during the game when the boys looked like they could do it.
The first half was strong and signs were good.
From there on in, it was a slippery slide down the seven stages of grief.
If ever there was a time to sit back and watch a feel good movie for the one millionth time (I personally reach for Love Actually), it was after that loss.
Okay, maybe that’s all a little dramatic, but it was hard to watch. Not Love Actually, that’s a cracker, I’m talking about the game.
Aside from the loss, there were a few unfortunate fellas to pick up injuries as well.
Hard luck to Brett White who picked up a groin injury but should be able to get another game in before hanging up his boots.
Even worse news for Jordan Rapana. He’s been great since he’s made his Raiders first grade debut and once he returns from his fractured skull, he definitely has a future.
But let’s not mope around for too long. Life isn’t all doom and gloom though Raiders fans.
Get ready to take part in match of the round this week as the boys head up to Remondis Stadium to take on fellow hard luck merchants, the Cronulla Sharks.
Both teams, desperate to avoid the spoon, should be set for a big one.
Despite a few fans already packing it in for this year, I’m actually looking forward to this one.
Why you ask? Firstly, because I’ll never give up on the boys, and secondly, the Raiders have a couple of interesting positional changes and team additions.
I can’t wait to see how Jack Wighton goes at fullback.
No doubt he’ll be tested by a high ball or two and it could be a bit of a learning curve, but boy oh boy does he have the skills to pull it off.
He’s quick, he’s elusive, and he has a great footy brain. He’s also a brilliant defender and shouldn’t be a pushover as a last line of defence.
I’m also really looking forward to seeing Jeremy Hawkins make his debut.
Finally, the second tier salary cap soldiers are out of the way and the man gets his chance.
Jeremy has great wraps on him and this is the perfect time to throw him in and see how he goes. Can’t wait.
And last but not least, the game is a chance to put a little light between us and the dreaded wooden spoon.
So get to the game, a pub, a club, your tv set, or where ever it is you can see the game and take it all in.
It could be a glimpse into a much brighter future. Go Raiders!!!
