Raiders NYC Head Coach Brett White has altered his side for Sunday’s clash against the Sharks. After playing two away games in five days, fatigue has forced White to change his lineup.
Against the Eels last Saturday, the Raiders stormed to a 20-4 lead at halftime but ended up losing 34-20.
“We put a lot of energy into it [the game against Parramatta], we knew we were in for a tough game. Early on we weren’t smart enough, as far as trying to slow the play the ball and preserve some of that energy for the full 80 minutes,” said White.
“Under fatigue at this level, unfortunately mistakes come into the game and we saw that have a snowball effect in the second half.”
Two of the more notable changes are in the spine of the team. Jack Hickson moves into the halves to give Lachlan Lewis a rest and Nic Cotric moves to fullback.
At only 17 years of age Cotric has been impressive in his debut NYC season, after playing a majority of his junior football at fullback.
RAIDERS NYC TEAM
“Hopefully a few changes will help with our energy. The game on Saturday took a lot out of us. I had Lachlan Lewis physically sick after the game in the sheds just due to fatigue,” said White.
An inconsistent start to the season for the Raiders NYC side means they enter the round in 9th position.
Brett White is wary of a Cronulla side who are sitting fourth on the ladder despite having played a game less than most sides.
CRONULLA NYC TEAM
“If Cronulla won that [their cancelled game against Manly] they would be sitting equal first on the ladder,” said White.
“Their halves…move the ball quickly across the field and then play very direct once they get it across. Our edges will no doubt be under attack and we’ll work on making sure they have all the information they need and are prepared as best they can.”
The Raiders v Sharks game kicks off at 9:40am at GIO Stadium on Saturday. Live updates from the game will be posted on the Raiders Twitter account @RaidersCanberra
