This week, the word of choice is going to be “disappointing.” Where last week’s loss to the Roosters was painful, the loss on Saturday night to the Eels was just disappointing.

Disappointing because the Raiders failed to convert a number of opportunities to put the game out of reach. Disappointing because Alan Tongue was unable to play. Disappointing because Terry Campese is still yet to find teammate to take any of the playmaking burden from him.

And, finally, disappointing because of several particularly poor decisions from the officials.

One of the most notable was the ludicrous decision to send David Milne to the sin bin for ten minutes for what appeared to be Luke Burt slipping over.

However even more devastating for the Raiders was the decision to immediately stop play and award a penalty for a late hit on Terry Campese when Brett Kelly had the ball in hand, with the line a mere ten metres ahead and not a single defender in front of him.

Had play been allowed to continue, the Raiders would have certainly scored (well probably scored – it was Brett Kelly with the ball after all) and put the game beyond reach for the Eels.

As it was, the referee insisted that the penalty stood and the Raiders failed to convert on the next set of six.

Despite the poor decisions from the officials, though, the Lime Green should only be blaming themselves for the loss. The Raiders did not convert the opportunities that they generated and once again their goal line defense was disjointed and ineffectual.

The Good
Once again there is genuinely a lot of good to come out of this game. When given some time and space (and perhaps another playmaker to act as decoy once in a while – but we’ll come to that further down the line), Terry Campese is a genuine top tier NRL player. This week there was considerably more variation to his last tackle options and he is still to my mind a genuine NSW contender.

The forwards were generally very good, with the standouts again being “Old School” Josh Miller, (as Fox Sports’ Andy Raymond insists on calling him) and Bronson Harrison. Joe Picker was much better in a starting role this week and he provided a reminder as to why he made the Prime Minister’s XIII last season.

The Bad
As with the first two rounds it was agonizingly clear that opposition teams have identified that Terry Campese is it as far as playmakers for this team. Neither Herbert nor Flanagan was able to make the Eels seriously consider them to be a threat, and thus the Eels were able to swamp Campo on every fifth tackle. Debutant hooker Travis Waddell played a very measured role and I am convinced that with a more extensive opportunity he may be able to contribute more.

The Ugly
I don’t really want to pick on him because he has had two excellent games thus far in his first grade career, but I’m afraid I have to single out Jarrod Croker. To quote Steve Waugh, Jarrod Croker effectively dropped the game. If Croker had held onto the ball and scored in the 70th minute, the Raiders would almost certainly been victorious.

Mr Sports Verdict
Last week I wrote that the Raiders desperately needed a win, or at least a dramatically improved performance against the Eels. It is fair to say that we did indeed get the desired improvement. Attacking options were significantly improved and even the defense looked better.

It should also be remembered that the team on Saturday night was missing four or five first choice players, including three front row forwards and inspirational captain Alan Tongue. The return of those players over the next few weeks will not only add size to the pack, but also allow players like Trevor Thurling and Josh Miller to return to an impact role in the second row.

So, overall, despite the loss and the 0-3 record, I remain reasonably happy with the season to date. It feels like the team is not far off putting everything together. As for the game about the Eels, I give the team Seven Victors (it would have been Eight had they hung on for the win).

Next Up
For the second time in only four weeks, Raiders fans will need to wait until Monday night for the match against the Cowboys. The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing performance against the Melbourne Storm and will be keen to avoid falling to a one and three record.

Also on Monday will be the return of former Raiders coach Neil ‘Oh, really, there is a get out clause in my contract? I didn’t even realise’ Henry. The announcement that Henry was going to abandon the club to return to North Queensland was a bitter pill for many Raiders fans early last season.

To be honest though it is difficult to feel too much animosity for a coach who orchestrated the attacking verve displayed by the Lime Green last season.

Anyone sitting in the stands watching the two dozen tries from inside the Raiders own half last season or the 74 points against the Panthers (or the 54 against the Titans) owes a debt of gratitude to Neil Henry to some extent.

But don’t worry, my ambivalent feelings won’t stop me jeering with the best of them whenever Henry is mentioned or shown on the big screen.

Final Thought
It’s simple, I remain optimistic.

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