Ah the highs and lows of following a team that is young, exciting, and packed with talent.
One week it’s as if they can do anything, the next leaves you wondering what’s going on.
Unfortunately, with enigmatic youth comes a touch of inconsistency.
While it’s easy to preach patience and control to the players from the sidelines, it’s not so easy when you’re out on the field and under fatigue.
It takes time and experience to develop the patience required to win those grinding games we experienced on the weekend.
As frustrating as it can be, knowing we have a very talented roster but aren’t coming away with the desired results, we fans need a little patience of our own.
It’s a long season ahead and we’re likely to experience plenty more highs and lows.
We’ll beat teams when the experts say we can’t and we may well lose a couple when the experts say a Raiders win is a foregone conclusion.
But without a doubt, better times are ahead for Raiders fans.
And there is no better time to kick-start our resurgence against the out of sorts but not to be underestimated Newcastle Knights.
Make no mistake about it, it might only be the midpoint of the season but it’s an incredibly important game for the Raiders.
Firstly, a couple of losses on the trot means a win is required to keep the top eight in sight.
Secondly, three straight losses does nothing for anyone’s confidence.
And lastly, with a bye just around the corner, a win can bring a good amount of momentum for the Raiders on the NRL ladder.
So it’s vital the Raiders bring plenty of their 2015 positives with them this weekend and shed the negatives.
At times last weekend, the boys brought plenty of enthusiasm in defence.
In particular, who wasn’t enthralled when Big Papa shook Josh McGurie up like a present on Christmas Day?
More of that please!
Who hasn’t held their breath in an air of excitement when Blake Austin takes the line on?
More of that please!
Who hasn’t been impressed by the seemingly unstoppable roll on at times of our big men?
More of that please!
And last of all, I challenge you to name a more exciting team to watch than the Raiders when everything just clicks.
More of that please!
