Fresh off a memorable win against the Cronulla Sharks last weekend, Hudson Young and the rest of the team are ready to continue their red-hot form this round, aiming to secure another much-needed victory in star Josh Papalii’s 250th game.
It has been a period of successive milestones for the club, with key players Jack Wighton, Joe Tapine and the club itself all celebrating over the past few weeks.
Young admitted that occasions like these were extremely special for both himself and the rest of the players, especially when they are celebrating someone of Papalii’s stature.
“It has been a big couple of weeks. Those guys are our leaders, and we get behind them,” Young said.
“To be able to play with Papa for his 250th game is special for myself, and I’m sure he will be up for it.”
The milestone has come at the perfect time, with the Raiders finding form over the past fortnight. After a gritty win against the Bulldogs at home, the Green Machine proved just how good they can be with a big victory over the Sharks in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Whilst the 20-0 lead at half-time was pleasing for Young and the team, it was the second half that should send warning signs to the rest of the league.
According to Young, playing the full 80 minutes at the highest level has been a real focus for the squad, and to be able to finish the way they did to seal the match with 12 men for most of the half was a great sign for the season ahead.
“We put in a really strong performance in that first half to set up for the second,” Young said.
“We had a focus on starting well in the second half and I feel like we have done that over the past few weeks.”
Speaking on his own form, Young was pleased with how he played last Sunday, scoring a try in the final minutes to cap off a brilliant performance.
The second-rower has been back to his best over the past fortnight, running for a combined 348 metres in the past two rounds. This goes along with his crucial defensive output, completing 53 total tackles.
Whilst Young has been pleased with his last few weeks, he understands how vital it is to take it one match at a time.
“I feel like I played pretty well on the weekend. I obviously don’t want to get too far ahead of myself or anything like that,” Young said.
“I just want to take it each week at a time and go from there.”
Heading into this weekend, Young and the team will be looking to make it three in a row for the first time this season when they come up against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Dubbo at 2pm this Sunday.
Speaking on the match and the feeling around the club after recent results, Young is hoping to continue the positive feelings this weekend with another big performance.
“It is a good energy around the club. Everyone is buzzing, ready to rip in on the weekend,” Young said.
“It’s been two wins in a row, and we are hoping to make it three.”
