uncertain 2005

[Evergreen]

Urgh, that Manly match, that would have to go down as one of the Raiders worst ever matches, matched only by that shambles at Manuka.

I had the new Raiders strip (commerative 1987 edition) bought for me for Christmas. Looks fantastic, apart from the "80's week Grand Final Replay - Raiders vs Manly" moniker constantly bringing back the apalling memory of that day.

The best thing about 2005 is the flooding of new talent into the squad. We saw a shake up in the 2003 pre-season with some quality purchases (or so they seemed at the time), and we produced one of our better seasons in recent memory.

If I was a squad member, seeing all the new faces around would help wipe the slate clean from the crap dished up last year - I would feel a lot 'fresher' and ready to challenge for my NRL spot. I'd also be keen to get some new ideas from blokes like J Smith and Adamson, who have been there, done that in the world of Rugby League.

This is what will work to our advantage, whereas teams like Penrith and Newcastle - who have been very quiet in the player market - could go down our 2004 path with their 'stale' squads.

 

[thickos]

Urgh, that Manly match, that would have to go down as one of the Raiders worst ever matches, matched only by that shambles at Manuka.

I had the new Raiders strip (commerative 1987 edition) bought for me for Christmas. Looks fantastic, apart from the "80's week Grand Final Replay - Raiders vs Manly" moniker constantly bringing back the apalling memory of that day.

The best thing about 2005 is the flooding of new talent into the squad. We saw a shake up in the 2003 pre-season with some quality purchases (or so they seemed at the time), and we produced one of our better seasons in recent memory.

If I was a squad member, seeing all the new faces around would help wipe the slate clean from the crap dished up last year - I would feel a lot 'fresher' and ready to challenge for my NRL spot. I'd also be keen to get some new ideas from blokes like J Smith and Adamson, who have been there, done that in the world of Rugby League.

This is what will work to our advantage, whereas teams like Penrith and Newcastle - who have been very quiet in the player market - could go down our 2004 path with their 'stale' squads.

Excellent point Branko with your last statement. I think last season has shown the club the pitfalls of inactivity in the player market, you need to keep the place 'turning over.'