Despite the result last weekend Hudson Young believes that there are signs that the Raiders could soon be back to their best heading into a big clash with the Warriors on Saturday afternoon.
Whilst the score may have run away late in the game last round, it was the first 50 minutes where the Green Machine showed promise against reigning premiers Penrith, heading into the sheds 14-6 down.
Young was pleased with that effort, however he is still aware that an 80 minute performance is needed from the squad to get results in those tough games.
“We were obviously disappointed with the end result, but we were fairly happy with the way that we started. It felt like we were back to us which was good,” Young said.
“We were starting to get a bit of line speed and a bit more togetherness within our line with our attack. I thought we were pretty sharp, we only had three sets down their end and came away with points off one of them. There is a lot to take out of that first 50 minutes.”
On a personal note, Young is ready to cement his spot in the squad after being a late inclusion last weekend following a few games out of the team with a toe injury.
It was a big return for him, making 40 tackles as he seamlessly transitioned back into the squad. The youngster has again been named in the starting team this weekend, accompanying the returning Elliott Whitehead in the second row.
“It is exciting for me, I went back to reserve grade and got the full 80 minutes, and I was happy to do that,” Young said.
“I’m even more happy to be back in the team and I can’t wait to get out there this weekend.”
Looking forward to the next fortnight it is shaping up to be a big few weeks for both Young and the team, with games against the Warriors and the Bulldogs scheduled.
Despite the Warriors being on the receiving end of a large defeat last weekend Young is not looking past them, knowing how damaging a team can be as they look to bounce back from a disappointing performance.
“The good thing with footy is that you get to go again. They only got home on Tuesday night I think so they have three days before they are back on,” Young said.
“It is probably the best thing for them to get beaten like that and to get back in there and rip in straight away.”
For Young it is clear that these upcoming matches are must wins, with premiership points crucial in what is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested top eight races in competition history.
Young says the squad are aware of the areas that need to be worked on and are prepared to put on a show this weekend in Redcliffe.
“We need to win this weekend. We have spoken about that, we can’t keep falling away from games and losing matches in the second half,” Young said.
“We just need to go out there and play a full 80 minutes and the rest will take care of itself.”
