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Why the Raiders are strong contenders for finals football

Blake Austin will make his return against the Panthers. (Photo: NRL images)
Roar Rookie
11th June, 2015
7

We have reached the midway point of the competition and it is becoming more evident which teams have the potential to reach the finals and which teams will finish at the bottom half of the ladder.

The Canberra Raiders have so far put together stellar performances this season, which has resulted in them currently sitting in ninth position.

They are just two points behind the Warriors, who are currently in eighth position and coming off a bye, the Raiders are poised to reach the Top 8 at some point – granted they continue their recent form and manage to secure a victory over the Cowboys, a task which will not be easily achieved.

The Raiders have been positively influenced by arguably one of the best purchases of this season, Blake Austin.

The five-eighth managed to secure two tries for the Raiders in their 44-22 victory over the Newcastle Knights and ran a total of 125 metres. Having only played 13 matches this season, Austin has already scored nine tries.

His signing has proven to be a massive success for the Raiders and their recent form can be highly contributed to the five-eighth. However, one other player who has also lifted the spirits of Stuart’s men is captain Jarrod Croker, who has so far secured six tries in 13 games for the Raiders and has ran a total of 1132 metres this season.

Finishing as the third-highest try scorer (with a total of 18 tries) in the NRL for 2014, his speed, agility and kicking has lifted the Raider’s performances once again.

This season has seen a remarkable turnaround for a team which were heavy favourites for the wooden spoon. Coach Ricky Stuart has adopted a new style of play which has so far been very beneficial for the side. Once under backlash for the style of play and performances the Raiders were delivering over the past two seasons, Stuart has effectively managed to transform the side into a finals contender.

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The team have been recruiting quite successfully and are beginning to build a strong and formidable side. Sisa Waqa, Frank-Paul Nu’uausala came this season and Aidan Sezer and Elliot Whitehead are set to join at the start of the 2016 season.

The Raiders are beginning to build depth in key positions and are addressing aspects which were poor in their previous two seasons, such as defence. The Raiders currently have the highest total of conversions and line breaks this season, with 43 and 57 respectively. Despite being ninth, Canberra currently have the highest total of tries in the competition, with 54.

Reflecting on the Raiders’ performances so far this season, things are certainly looking positive and depending on whether their recent form continues, the Raiders have a strong possibility of finishing within the Top 8 and reaching the finals.

Regardless of where Canberra manage to finish this season, 2015 will have proved to be a success to all concerned and it will surely be a positive and significant step in the right direction for the club.

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