No it’s not a dream, Raiders fans! Our boys are sitting in third position in the charge home to the finals!
More importantly, the mighty green machine easily passed the mighty test that was the competition leading Cronulla Sharks.
And what a brilliant victory it was?! From the outset, the Raiders were there to do more than just compete.
The boys were simply outstanding. They ran harder, they tackled harder, and they simply beat the Sharks into submission.
It was quite possibly the best of the Raider’s wins for 2016.
What was most impressive though was not the 30 points in the ‘for column’, but the 14 in the against.
The Sharks managed just two tries, one of which was luckier than Stephen Bradbury’s Olympic gold.
It’s a massive improvement for our boys, who have gone from playing for nowhere near 80 minutes, to putting together back to back 80 minute performances.
It couldn’t have come at a more important time. Not only are we approaching the end of the season and fighting for an all important top 4 position, but our next opponents will be a huge test.
The Melbourne Storm are in fine form. They’ve strung together a six game winning streak on their way to the top of the NRL ladder.
It’ll be a massive test for the green machine but one we’re capable of passing.
The Storm have a different style to the Sharks and while they aren’t flashy, they’ll look to strangle the Raiders out of the game.
They’ll look to frustrate a thriving Raiders attack into making silly errors and win by way of attrition.
Our boys will need to be ready for an arm wrestle and play the 80 minutes.
A patient game will be a good game this week. With our share of possession and through the limiting of handling errors and penalties, the Raiders can definitely win this one.
If we do win, it’ll send an incredible message to the rest of the NRL.
Last week’s win said we’re capable of winning the competition, but a win against the Storm would tell the NRL we’re THE team to beat in the competition.
Know what happens when you knock out the heavyweight champion? You become the heavyweight champion.
And that’s what’s on the line. Forget the fact they’re 1st and we’re 3rd. This is the game that will paint a much truer picture than the numbers on the competition table.
So get out there in numbers, Raiders fans! Monday night will be huge. If you haven’t been to a game this season, this is the one to get to.
Go Raiders!!!
MATCH PREVIEW: RAIDERS V STORM
