Raiders: The Run Home.....Canberra RaidersCurrent Position: 14th
Points: 14 (6 points out of the eight)
The Run Home: Dragons (H), Warriors (A), Knights (A), Rabbitohs (H), Titans (A), Panthers (H), Bulldogs(A)
Key Matches: The next three weeks will probably determine the fate of the Raiders in 2011. If they can gain some momentum on the road then a late run similar to last year is likely, and once past the Warriors in round 21, then the draw is quite kind to the Raiders.
Key Players: The return of Josh Dugan against the Storm is a big plus for the side, and he’ll be keen to make up for lost time after playing very well before his injury. In addition to that, the emergence of Josh Papalii and his line-breaking and offloading ability on the right edge is very important for their attack, while Shaun Fensom will need to continue his work rate in defence to keep them in games.
Key Stats: The offloads are down this year for the Raiders, something which has been a key for the Raiders attack in previous seasons. The return of Josh Papalii and the good form of Bronson Harrison should lift the offload numbers though, and help the Raiders with the second-phase play which brings the dangerous Josh Dugan and a returning Terry Campese into the game.
Key Injuries: Big news for the Raiders, with Terry Campese due back in the next four weeks, and David Shillington in round 20. Unfortunately, Matt Orford is still out indefinitely, and Tom Learoyd-Larhs is out for the season.
Bunnies: Dragons – The trip down to Canberra is hard at the best of times, but when you haven’t won there in 11 years, it is near impossible. The Raiders have beaten the Dragons in 12 of the last 15 clashes, including the last five clashes.
Bogey Side: Rabbitohs – The Raiders have made a habit of dishing up Rabbit stew to Souths in recent years, and will expect this to continue in round 23 as they attempt to stay in finals contention.
Straight Shooting: Despite the Raiders position on the ladder, the finals are well within reach. With Terry Campese and David Shillington due to return soon, and Josh Dugan now back, there are plenty of reasons to be excited in the nation’s capital. Should they not gain this momentum, the remainder of the season is a perfect opportunity for young halves Josh McCrone and Sam Williams to keep building their combination which could be the basis of the club for well into the future.
Source: raiders.com.au
Topic: Raiders: The Run Home.....
