Round 20 - Storm vs Raiders
Saturday 28th July
7:35pm
AAMI Park
Raiders form line heading into this game - 3 Wins/2 Losses (58+ Points Differential). This will be the Raiders 5th Away game in 6 Rounds.
(Round / Result / Opponent / Margin)
R19 - Loss (Away) - Sharks - 4 Points
R18 - Win (Home) - Cowboys - 26 Points
R17 - Win (Away) - Bulldogs - 4 Points
R16 - Loss (Away) - Broncos - 4 Points
R15 - Win (Away) - Tigers - 36 Points
7:35pm
AAMI Park
Raiders form line heading into this game - 3 Wins/2 Losses (58+ Points Differential). This will be the Raiders 5th Away game in 6 Rounds.
(Round / Result / Opponent / Margin)
R19 - Loss (Away) - Sharks - 4 Points
R18 - Win (Home) - Cowboys - 26 Points
R17 - Win (Away) - Bulldogs - 4 Points
R16 - Loss (Away) - Broncos - 4 Points
R15 - Win (Away) - Tigers - 36 Points
Storm form line heading into this game - 5 Wins (48+ Points Differential). This will be our 2nd Home game in 6 Rounds.
(Round / Result / Opponent / Margin)
R19 - Win (Away) - Warriors - 6 Points
R18 - Win (Away) - Mongly - 1 Point
R17 - Win (Home) - Dragons - 22 Points
R16 - Win (Away) - Roosters - 1 Point
R15 - Win (Away) - Knights - 18 Points
(Round / Result / Opponent / Margin)
R19 - Win (Away) - Warriors - 6 Points
R18 - Win (Away) - Mongly - 1 Point
R17 - Win (Home) - Dragons - 22 Points
R16 - Win (Away) - Roosters - 1 Point
R15 - Win (Away) - Knights - 18 Points
In reality, the Raiders should be 4 from 5. They were stone-cold robbed against the Sharks... atrocious refereeing that defied logic.
Having said that, the Raiders have a number of injuries, no chance of finals footy and the toughest run home in the competition. We should account for them, but that is typically when we stuff things up...
Having said that, the Raiders have a number of injuries, no chance of finals footy and the toughest run home in the competition. We should account for them, but that is typically when we stuff things up...
Feel like we're due for a loss with the way we've been playing. Our only clinical performance this season might be the Anzac game. It's pretty crazy that we're sitting in top spot right now.
We need to start thinking about settling with a 17 who we think can win the comp. Stay with Hughes at halfback for now, bring Smith back, and do whatever with Hoffman.
We need to start thinking about settling with a 17 who we think can win the comp. Stay with Hughes at halfback for now, bring Smith back, and do whatever with Hoffman.
Agree blazza18. If you look at it independently; We are playing pretty ordinary to be top of the ladder.
Lost games we should have won.
What is holding us in good stead is our grit in defence.
But geez, it would be nice to see our forwards scoring some tries or a backline move that breaks the line occasionally.
Lost games we should have won.
What is holding us in good stead is our grit in defence.
But geez, it would be nice to see our forwards scoring some tries or a backline move that breaks the line occasionally.
Just having a look at our current season compared to last season...
Defence - In 2018 we are conceding 15.1 points per game. It was 14.0 in 2017 (1.1 point per game worse in 2018)
Offence - In 2018 we are scoring 22.89 points per game. It was 26.38 in 2017 (3.49 points per game worse in 2018)
Obviously this impacts our Points Differential as well;
In 2017 our Points Differential improved by 12.38 points per game (on average).
In 2018 our Points Differential improved by 7.78 points per game (on average).
Overall we are 4.59 points per game worse in 2018 compared to 2017 - which is not insignificant.
It feels much worse than that for whatever reason... Maybe it is just a personal thing and I have unrealistic expectations after such an overwhelmingly brilliant performance last year? But I have less confidence in our ability to defend our line - particularly from set pieces. I also have far less confidence in our attack... In a number of games this year we have really struggled to score points.
Defence - In 2018 we are conceding 15.1 points per game. It was 14.0 in 2017 (1.1 point per game worse in 2018)
Offence - In 2018 we are scoring 22.89 points per game. It was 26.38 in 2017 (3.49 points per game worse in 2018)
Obviously this impacts our Points Differential as well;
In 2017 our Points Differential improved by 12.38 points per game (on average).
In 2018 our Points Differential improved by 7.78 points per game (on average).
Overall we are 4.59 points per game worse in 2018 compared to 2017 - which is not insignificant.
It feels much worse than that for whatever reason... Maybe it is just a personal thing and I have unrealistic expectations after such an overwhelmingly brilliant performance last year? But I have less confidence in our ability to defend our line - particularly from set pieces. I also have far less confidence in our attack... In a number of games this year we have really struggled to score points.
Considering we lost one of the best halfbacks and one of the best props in the game along with imo the best second rower in the game, and replaced them with a rookie, a veteran on his last legs and Sam Kasiano. I think we’ve done remarkably well to be where we are. Sure there have been some hiccups along the way but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far and am excited for what this team can accomplish, not just this year but moving forward
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Kasiano will be fine. He just needs a year in the Storm system to settle in....one where he has to work hard and be accountable.
Remember.... he's never had to do that before.
Remember.... he's never had to do that before.
Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time
Agree RE Sam, I still think he will shine in our system. He has put in the effort on the training paddock and with his diet.
His average year this year has been due to a number of unfortunate injuries at key times and two silly suspensions. He will be better for it next year.
When he has been on the park this year, he has run the ball strong and made solid post contact metres.
His average year this year has been due to a number of unfortunate injuries at key times and two silly suspensions. He will be better for it next year.
When he has been on the park this year, he has run the ball strong and made solid post contact metres.
Two of the game's top hookers go head to head in Cam Smith and Josh Hodgson. They each bring different qualities to the table and Smith knows he faces a fierce competitor in English international Hodgson. It's virtually impossible to put the unflappable Smith off his game, but the Raiders might be a chance if Hodgson produces a five-star performance.If Aidan Sezer doesn't return, a lot of responsibility again falls on the shoulders of Sam Williams and Blake Austin to steer the ship. The other factor for the Raiders is last week's loss to Cronulla. Has it left them mad and hungry for a win or will they turn up dejected and mentally defeated after the first 10 minutes?
Williams: 'We are focused on Storm, not referees'
Sam Williams is adamant Canberra can defy the critics and qualify for the NRL finals this season.
Williams also revealed the Raiders are remaining upbeat as a unit, despite being on the wrong end of several controversial refereeing decisions in their 28-24 loss to Cronulla last Friday.
Williams is expecting to again partner Blake Austin in the halves this weekend after a hamstring strain forced Aidan Sezer out of the side.
"I'm not sure where Aidan's at this week but it could be the same sort of set-up, so we'll spend a few more days working together and improve once again," he said.
The halfback conceded allowing the Sharks to bolt out to a 22-point lead at one stage was pivotal, but hoped the NRL will continue to look at tightening up officiating procedures.
"I think sometimes players see things a little bit clearer than the officials," Williams said.
Sam Williams is adamant Canberra can defy the critics and qualify for the NRL finals this season.
Williams also revealed the Raiders are remaining upbeat as a unit, despite being on the wrong end of several controversial refereeing decisions in their 28-24 loss to Cronulla last Friday.
Williams is expecting to again partner Blake Austin in the halves this weekend after a hamstring strain forced Aidan Sezer out of the side.
"I'm not sure where Aidan's at this week but it could be the same sort of set-up, so we'll spend a few more days working together and improve once again," he said.
The halfback conceded allowing the Sharks to bolt out to a 22-point lead at one stage was pivotal, but hoped the NRL will continue to look at tightening up officiating procedures.
"I think sometimes players see things a little bit clearer than the officials," Williams said.