Preview 2011: Canberra Raiders
Gains: Nathan Massey (Canterbury Bulldogs NYC), Brett White (Melbourne Storm), Blake Ferguson (Cronulla Sharks), Mark Ioane (New Zealand Warriors), Matt Orford (Bradford Bulls, ESL).
Losses: Justin Carney (Sydney Roosters), Scott Logan (Retirement), Troy Thompson (Melbourne Storm), Adam Mogg (Retirement), Marc Herbert (Bradford Bulls, ESL), Joel Monaghan (Released).
Signed On Again: Trevor Thurling, Michael Picker, Josh McCrone, Danny Galea, Joel Thompson, Glen Buttriss.
Off Contract: Brett Kelly.
2011 Coach: David Furner
First 5 Rounds: Sharks (H), Broncos (H), Tigers (A), Titans (H), Panthers (A)
The Canberra Raiders had an excellent season in 2010 which caught a lot of people by surprise. The Raiders have always had potential however, they have constantly fallen short of expectations. Canberra excelled last season and showed their opposition why they are not to be taken lightly. Terry Campese led the charge at the back end of the year performing excellently in the Raiders’ run to the finals. It was the strong team performances which led the Raiders to the 2010 final series, after finishing in the disappointing 13th-place the season before.
The young Raiders squad of the average age of 25, were no pushovers. The Raiders made the most metres (1408.3) and scored the most tries from offloads (11) in the NRL. They demonstrated their capability in attack as well as their muscle in defense. If these stats are repeated in 2011 the Raiders will continue to be one of the surprise packets of the year. Coach David Furner though, will want to make vast improvements with the defensive side of the team. The Raiders managed to concede as many tries as they scored.
The first week of the finals saw the Raiders travel to Penrith to defeat the Panthers by 2 points. Terry Campese featured heavily in the win and was leading on the field the entire night. Canberra proceeded to the next week of the finals to come up against a Wests Tigers side that went down in extra time the week before. This presented to be another tough battle for the Raiders who fought until the death. Unfortunately, inspirational playmaker Terry Campese went down late in the match, injuring his ACL. This proved to be a real blow for the Raiders losing to the Tigers by 2 points. In what was an unfortunate end to an outstanding year, the Canberra Raiders gave the competition a good shake and showed that the underdogs are definitely in with a chance of going all the way.
Why they will win it: The Raiders have recruited well during the off-season signing talented players Brett White and Blake Ferguson. Ferguson will fit in nicely to the Raider’s backline and White will be looking to fill in any defensive holes that are found through the middle of the field in the Canberra pack. White will also be able to fill the spot left vacant by retiring front rower Scott Logan. Coming from the Melbourne Storm, White brings a wealth of experience which will be very valuable to the Raiders’ chances of going all the way.
An addition to the squad which was made quite late into the off-season was the signature of Matt Orford. Orford returns from the English Super League and the Premiership winner will be looking to re-establish himself in the NRL. The signature of Orford is an excellent move by Raiders’ recruitment officials, as the absence of playmaker Terry Campese will certainly take a toll on the team. Orford will be able to share his experience with young halves Josh McCrone and Michael Picker, as well as link with young gun Josh Dugan. Orford and Dugan’s combination will be one to watch over the year as Dugan’s amazing running skills will be complimented by Orford’s great awareness on the field as well as his excellent short and long kicking game.
Why they won’t: Canberra will definitely miss the services of Terry Campese. Campese is expected to be cleared of his injury late in the season, which adds extra pressure on Matt Orford to perform in his return to the NRL. When Campese manages to get back on the field, he will surely feel the effects a serious knee injury can cause on the body – and it will take him some time to reach the form he is capable of. Campese’s replacement will also need to hold their own. Playing inside Matt Orford should help tremendously however, the five eight position without Campese is the Raiders’ weakness.
Date: 8 Feb 11
Written by: James RaptisSource: NRL Weekly
Topic: Preview 2011: Canberra Raiders
