greeneyed
First Grade
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From today's Rugby Union Times:
Raiders coach Matt Elliott is confident his players are fully aware of the importance of today's clash wiht the Sharks after an "intense week of training".
The Raiders are lagging in 11th position on the NRL ladder and a loss today could, depening on other results this weekend, see the Raiders just one point away from the bottom of the competition table.
Five losses from their past six matches has seen the Raiders slide well and truly out of the top four and in danger of now losing touch with the top 8 completely.
But Elliott believed the 17 players that participate tonight were aware enough of the situation to not let it get any worse.
"There's definitely been a lot of tenseness in our training this week but I look upon that as a positive that they know exactly how big this match is" he said. "I think it's really important for us that the guys have recognised that."
Elliott was thankful that today's side was close to "the strongest available". He said it could only help start a trend of confidence building.
"We need to add performance with execution and with that will come confidence" he said.
Elliott also questioned the timing of constant media speculation surounding player movements in the lead up to the trading period beginning July 1. He was concerned about the impact the speculation had not only on his own players, but every player in the league.
"I think it's a distraction to all people involved" he said. "Neighbours has weddings and rugby league has the anti tampering date. I can't wait to get to the other side of it, but whingeing about it isn't going to change anything."
With the realisation the trading period is here to stay, the Raiders are aware they cannot use it as an excuse for poor form. They face a Sharks side minus star players Kimmorley and Stevens, Peachey and Vagana in a match that their season depends upon.
"Obviously when we play we intend on picking up the two competition points but this weekend we really need to" Elliott said.
Raiders coach Matt Elliott is confident his players are fully aware of the importance of today's clash wiht the Sharks after an "intense week of training".
The Raiders are lagging in 11th position on the NRL ladder and a loss today could, depening on other results this weekend, see the Raiders just one point away from the bottom of the competition table.
Five losses from their past six matches has seen the Raiders slide well and truly out of the top four and in danger of now losing touch with the top 8 completely.
But Elliott believed the 17 players that participate tonight were aware enough of the situation to not let it get any worse.
"There's definitely been a lot of tenseness in our training this week but I look upon that as a positive that they know exactly how big this match is" he said. "I think it's really important for us that the guys have recognised that."
Elliott was thankful that today's side was close to "the strongest available". He said it could only help start a trend of confidence building.
"We need to add performance with execution and with that will come confidence" he said.
Elliott also questioned the timing of constant media speculation surounding player movements in the lead up to the trading period beginning July 1. He was concerned about the impact the speculation had not only on his own players, but every player in the league.
"I think it's a distraction to all people involved" he said. "Neighbours has weddings and rugby league has the anti tampering date. I can't wait to get to the other side of it, but whingeing about it isn't going to change anything."
With the realisation the trading period is here to stay, the Raiders are aware they cannot use it as an excuse for poor form. They face a Sharks side minus star players Kimmorley and Stevens, Peachey and Vagana in a match that their season depends upon.
"Obviously when we play we intend on picking up the two competition points but this weekend we really need to" Elliott said.
We haven't been on the ball all season....
