With last weekend’s win, the Raiders have transformed themselves from a team known for second half wobbles to the NRL’s comeback kings.
The previous week’s win against the Tigers might have set a club record for comebacks but the win against the Rabbitohs was just as good, if not better.
The Rabbits came into the game with a few blokes missing, but make no mistake, they still had a very good side.
They were red hot favourites with not only the media but the bookmakers too.
They sport one of the best forward packs in the comp and along with superstar Greg Inglis, the Raiders had to play out of their skins to take away the two points.
And play out of their skins they did.
There were brilliant performances across the park and the plaudits were well deserved.
They played as a team, showed plenty of heart and never gave up for the entire 80 minutes.
Their play was attractive, skilful, showed confidence, and above all else it was ‘in your face’ tough footy.
I’ve said it before but a comeback of that magnitude reflects great character and a level of belief we haven’t had at the club for some time.
The 16-4 half time score wasn’t an accurate reflection of the contest up to that point and even the most cynical of fans would’ve felt we were still in it.
If we could just complete our sets and muscle up to their huge pack, a win was well within our grasp.
The boys came out in the second half and did that and more. It was a huge effort we can all be proud of.
We might only be eight games into the season but the difference between the Raiders of 2014 and the Raiders of 2015 is night and day.
I can’t remember the last time I felt this good about our side going forward.
The consistently strong team performances on the field is something we haven’t seen in a while and as a result, individuals are being recognised off the field.
This has been reflected by a number of our own being selected for representative teams this weekend.
A huge good luck to all members of the Green Machine system as they run out for City, Country, Papua New Guinea, the Junior Kangaroos, the NSW Cup Representative Team and maybe even Australia if the cards fall Josh Papalii’s way.
I’m sure all Raiders fans are proud of their boys’ efforts so far this season and we know they’ll do us proud across the park.
So we ask them to play hard and show the comp why the Raiders boys are a force to be reckoned with but please look after yourselves.
There’s a long way to go in 2015 and we want you all back fit, healthy and ready to smash the Titans Saturday week. Good luck, fellas!
