Raiders SG Ball side set to tackle Tigers in Qualifying FinalRaiders SG Ball side set to tackle Tigers in Qualifying FinalThe Canberra Raiders SG Ball side returns to the Windsor Sporting Complex this Saturday afternoon to take on minor premiers Balmain in the first game of their finals campaign for 2012.
The Raiders come into the final series in great form after annihilating the Central Coast Centurions 70-0 last Saturday in Woy Woy. According to Raiders coach Peter Marrapodi his side was dominant from the outset.
“We were very good … they came out fired up but we put three quick ones (tries) on them and our forwards just outmuscled them out of the game and they weren’t really in it after that.”
Marrapodi was also pleased that his team was also able re-discover their defensive attitude which he felt dropped off in his team’s loss to the Panthers back in round 8.
“That (good defensive attitude) was a key reason behind the score line …it was their last game and they could have come out and threw the ball around and try and put a few points on us… but our attitude was really spot on at the start of the game and we really shut them out,”
Forwards Mitchell Shaw and Patrick Mago had big games for the Green Machine last week making plenty of good meters and creating space for the back to run riot, while halfback Anthony Milford was also a big contributor against the Centurions scoring 28 points through three tries and eight goals.
Balmain is shaping up as a big test for the Raiders. The Tigers have been one of the powerhouses in the SG Ball competition and went through the regular season undefeated; however, Marrapodi is confident his team can beat the Tigers if they execute their game plan well.
“I think to the key to stopping them is stopping their momentum early, they’ve got some really big forwards that try and charge through in the middle and if they do that their halves are really quick and their hooker is really nippy… We want to stop the momentum first and be really switched on to those key players.” Marrapodi said.
After the big win against Central Coast and the Panthers shock loss the Bulldogs last week, the Raiders ended up qualifying for the finals in fourth position. This means they will not be eliminated if they lose. However, Marrapodi has stated that this has not influenced his team’s preparation at all.
“We’re looking at winning this week, that’s all we’re looking for, we’re not looking forward to next week… this week it’s all about Balmain and getting the win against them.”
Marrapodi certainly believes his side is capable of winning the competition this year.
“There’s a number of reasons we can win… they’re a tight knit bunch of boys that really play hard for each other and when it comes down to it at the end of the season in the big games, I think that’s the number one factor as to who wins a premiership.
"Add to that the amount of skill, toughness and will to win we have and you’ve got a pretty competitive team.”
The big game this week kicks off at 3:00pm.
Source: Raiders
Topic: Raiders V Tigers - SG Ball Qualifying Final Showdown
