RAIDERS V STORM

[jed]

In other news, McFadden (named on the bench) will play his 100th game against us this week.

Is this the first time he's returned to Canberra???

 

[SOULS 04]

cmon raiders

we need a miracle to beat this bloody storm side but hopefully we do...

maybe we can be a shot at the semis

 

[greeneyed]

Summary of a story from today's Athenian Times:

Raiders look to experienced Croker to help weather Storm

Coach Elliott yesterday retained the experienced Jason Croker at 5/8th to combat the return of Scott Hill and a predicted forward barrage from the Melbourne Storm in Sunday afternoon's match.

The promotion of Troy Thompson for an injured Davico was the only change to the Raiders run on side to play the Storm at Canberra Stadium, although there is an extended and revamped interchange lineup.

Kris Kahler and Brad Drew earned call ups, while Michael Robertson also returned from injury to a 5 man bench.

Croker was moved to 5/8th for the game against the Knights last weekend to stiffen the fringe of the ruck in defence and Elliott said it was important he performed a similar job against the physical Storm. He also said 24 year old West Belconnen junior Troy Thompson also deserved a shot in the starting pack.

"It's unfortunate for Luke" Thompson said. "He has been a key member for the last 10 years. I have got the chance there and hopefully I can do as good a job, if not better. I just want to try and get the team going forward the best I can. Last week we worked together as a team and defended really well in the forwards. I think we are going to go a bit better this week and get over the top of them. I had two starts this year and went all right, I thought. I've got three weeks to prove myself and hopefully it will also be a stepping stone towards next year."

Drew has been placed on the bench to cover for Woolford, who yesterday had scans on an injured groin.

"Brad gives us an option in the halves and Simon has been struggling with a groin injury so that will allow us to have some variation in that area as well" Elliott said.

The Storm is one win ahead of the Raiders and also must win. The return of Scott Hill from a back injury is a boost for them. Former Raider Andrew McFadden will also face the Raiders in Storm colours for the first time. He has endured groin and ankle injuries since leaving Parramatta for the Storm.

 

[mike83au]

For those who already loved Brad Drew, here's something from the NRL website to further endear yourself to him:


Drew hopes for Raiders finals finale

11 August 2004


The forgotten man of Canberra rugby league has not given up hope of providing a not so subtle reminder of his talents as the Raiders fight for an NRL finals berth.

Utility Brad Drew, 28, looks set to make a welcome return from Premier League after being named on a five-man Raiders bench for their crucial clash against Melbourne on Sunday.

Officially Drew has been named on standby for injured captain/hooker Simon Woolford who is nursing a groin injury.

But a team spokesman today said Drew looked set to stay on the bench as an impact player even if Woolford passed a fitness test this week.



It will be a timely boost for England-bound Drew who hopes to leave the Raiders on a positive note after a "frustrating" 2004 in which he has played just 11 first grade games.

Drew was a high-profile 2003 Raiders recruit and rewarded his new club by playing 23 first grade games to help lead Canberra to the finals last season.

However, Drew crashed back to earth this year as he battled injury and off-field controversy.

As a result, Drew has so little contact with the first grade side these days that he wasn't sure of Woolford's injury.

"I wasn't even aware that he was injured. I was named in the 17, I know that," Drew said.

"I don't know what his problem is, but he's battled through injury before and I'm sure he will do it again.

"I honestly haven't had a lot to do with them (first grade) over the last few weeks...all I can do is worry about my game."

After being hampered by hamstring injuries last season, Drew battled a shoulder complaint this year while trying to cement a first grade spot.

He also made the news for all the wrong reasons when he was fined "a significant amount" by the Raiders for fighting teammate Luke Davico outside Casino Canberra in the early hours of May 22.

Drew was contracted with Canberra until the end of 2005 but was granted permission to talk with other clubs before snapping up a two-year deal with English Super League club Huddersfield.

"It hasn't been my best year but ... in reserve grade I have had a really good time, first grade's great but I am enjoying my footy," Drew said.

"It has been frustrating because obviously I prefer to play hooker, getting a chance overseas next year to go back and play a position I much prefer is exciting.

"But I signed down here as a halfback, that was the decision I made at the time - sometimes things don't work out how you'd like them to.

"So I think a change will be good for me, I'm looking forward to it."

Drew now hopes to again help steer the Raiders to the finals in what looms as an incredibly close regular season finish.

"All I can do is go out there and play the best I can but it (first grade selection) is the coach's decision," he said.

"I don't think I have anything to prove.

"Obviously I would like to finish on a good note playing first grade."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gotta love the attitude....

 

[greeneyed]

An IMPACT PLAYER!!! Only not the sort of impact being looked for ......

 

[LESStar58]

STORM TO WIN 72-4

You are far too generous...I wouldn't be suprised if you beat us!

 

[simostorm]

Have a look at their side. They have points galore in them. Their outside backs will have a field day, and Orford will have a grand old time around the ruck and slicing through lazy defence.

Goodnight 2004.

We havnt been playing all that good in the last few weeks, you's have a very good chance of winning. We are carrying a fair few injuries.
We travel terrible away, im expecting this one to go down the wire.

 

[SOULS 04]

yeh it prolly will go to the wire

our lack of attack gives you the advantage though but i have faith that the raiders can get up

should be a top game

 

[thickos]

Its the Raiders playing... if we don't get pumped of course it will go down the wire. We never put teams away, thats just part of our genetic makeup.

 

[mike83au]

I've found it really hard to get excited about the Raiders playing in the last few weeks - I've dreaded the day it comes around actually, because what they're doing now is very ineffective. I don't have my hopes up for this week too.....

By the way, did you ever get a reply back from Mrs James Hooper from the Telegraph the other week Thickos?

 

[thickos]

Of course not Mike. Heaven forbid they have the courtesy to reply :x

 

[Raider Ultra]

He did pick us to beat the Knights though... idiot!

 

[hrundi99]

Why is it that whenever we play the Storm I always get The Doors' "Riders on the Storm" in my head.

"Raiders versus Storm...
Raiders versus Storm..."

Is it because I'm slowly going insane...?

Don't answer that! :evil:

Perhaps I (or someone) can redo the lyrics to suit the moment...

 

[hrundi99]

How about...


Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm

Into tenth place we've fallen, The off-season is calling,
Let's beat the boys from Melbourne, Get in their faces Ruben

Raiders versus Storm

This year we're crappy on the road, Thank God this game is played at home
To avoid a holiday, Let's hope they "turn up to play"
If we lose to the Melbourne side, Our season it will die
Crappy on the road, yeah

Fans ya gotta love our half, Fans ya gotta love our half,
Matt, take him by the hand, Make him understand
The game on him depends, Our season it could end
Gotta love our half, yeah, Wow!

Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm

Into tenth place we've fallen, The off-season is calling,
Let's beat the boys from Melbourne, Get in their faces Ruben

Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm

 

[thickos]

How about...


Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm

Into tenth place we've fallen, The off-season is calling,
Let's beat the boys from Melbourne, Get in their faces Ruben

Raiders versus Storm

This year we're crappy on the road, Thank God this game is played at home
To avoid a holiday, Let's hope they "turn up to play"
If we lose to the Melbourne side, Our season it will die
Crappy on the road, yeah

Fans ya gotta love our half, Fans ya gotta love our half,
Matt, take him by the hand, Make him understand
The game on him depends, Our season it could end
Gotta love our half, yeah, Wow!

Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm

Into tenth place we've fallen, The off-season is calling,
Let's beat the boys from Melbourne, Get in their faces Ruben

Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm
Raiders versus Storm

Slow day at work? ;-) :lol:

 

[hrundi99]

Something like that...

 

[lotm]

i think something that's being overlooked quite a bit is the fact that it's being played on sunday arvo. while the storm are convincing at home and at night, away and during the day they're a different proposition, despite the fact that they beat us in the corresponding match last year.

i was really hoping that the storm'd win last week ... is it just me, or do we often come up against sides that are either coming off a big loss or have just sacked their coach or some such controversy?

 

[Kris_man]

- very good hrundi!

 

[I Bleed Green]

I've found it really hard to get excited about the Raiders playing in the last few weeks - I've dreaded the day it comes around actually, because what they're doing now is very ineffective. I don't have my hopes up for this week too.....

That's so true Mike. The games used to be one of the highlights of my week but now, I dunno. I still love my Raiders to death, but it's kinda depressing to watch the team go 'round at the moment.

 

[Kris_man]

I thinking of putting $50-100 on the Storm this week, I'm that confident that they will win, and they're paying pretty well at $1.90. I thought we'd be long odds, but we're actually favourites. #-o I know the Storm are playing away, and at daytime, but I just can't see us beating them, especially if Scott Hill plays. And i have vivid memories of the equivalent match last season, they beat us quite comfortably. Even tho it was only 18-8, we never looked lke winning.