The Canberra Raiders have put aside three weeks of hell to slay the St George Illawarra Dragons 30-17 in Sunday night football.
With Reece Robinson returning to 2012 form, the Raiders are now asking ‘Josh who?’.
It was not a perfect performance or anything coach David Furner can get too excited about just yet. But the Raiders will take any kind of victory and they now leave the hapless Saints winless after three rounds.
Canberra made a stand prior to round two and sacked troubled fullback Josh Dugan. Many thought the Raiders would fire up against the Gold Coast last weekend. But it never happened.
The resurrection might have been a week late, but the Raiders are finally smiling again and it is all because of their new star fullback in Robinson.
The stylish custodian was involved in everything for the home side at Canberra Stadium and finished the match with a brace of tries.
The icing on the cake was a slashing break late in the piece to set up his centre Jarrod Croker.
He may have come via Brisbane and the North Sydney Bears, but Robinson has now finally found a home in Canberra.
The utility back has been a mainstay of the Raiders backline since debuting for the club three years ago. It may have took him some time to settle in, but now the fans and his colleagues are seeing what the classy kid can do.
Dugan missed plenty of season 2012 through injury, but was barely missed as Robinson helped guide Canberra to the second week of the playoffs. In 24 appearances last season, the talented fullback crossed for 17 tries.
The majority of them came when Dugan was missing.
A hat trick of tries against the NRL All Stars in February can’t be ignored. He has proved he can excel against the very best in the game. Robinson has all the tools to step up to the representative arena.
Which begs the question, is the silky number one a bolter for the New South Wales Blues?
Akuila Uate’s early season form suggests the Fijian flyer may secure one wing spot.
If the side was picked today, of course.
But with Brett Morris’ Dragons on skid row and Jarryd Hayne struggling at the Parramatta Eels, the other spot is certainly up for grabs.
Michael Gordon and Nathan Merritt have both started well for their respective clubs, but it is nothing to what Robinson has been producing on a weekly basis for the past twelve months.
Fullback for the Blues isn’t a certainty either.
If Robinson can continue the form that has made him a cult hero in the nation’s capital, who’s to say the he won’t pull on the famous sky blue jersey?
He’s safe under the high ball, has speed to burn and has that finishing quality that all great players possess.
If Blues coach Laurie Daley is looking for that fresh spark, Robinson is his man.
Joe Blow
Guest
In case you missed it, here is Reece Robinson burning one of QLDs finest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2d9EcppyF8
Jack Waru of Port Moresby, PNG
Guest
I do not know why I do not prefer Idris. What about Chrisi Lawrence for centres and Liam Fulton for Back row? They are possibilities depending on their form early season!
peeeko
Roar Guru
considering they have picked the following players in the wing recently - boyd, tate, yow yeh, israel and inglis i dont think they would have got a run
peeeko
Roar Guru
steve turner - i still cant get over that one
Nostradamus
Guest
Is he going to shoulder charge someone?? Impossible to measure the outcome so pointless - even Waterhouse may blanch at that bet...
planko
Roar Guru
Puntpal I am a Manly fan I thought they were specials to loose. I like the GC alot of teams will go there and be lucky to come away with 2 points especially if they can keep the injuries at bay. Stewart is no shoe in after all it is only position where there is almost too many to choose from. After all we are putting Gallen in the front row to squeeze in more second rowers into the team.
PuntPal
Roar Pro
What is it with Manly fans today....they have not taken that loss to the Titans very well have they! Agree with Renegade...their backrow is right there (Bird, Watmough and Lewis)
PuntPal
Roar Pro
B Morris, Uate... But I agree with you, he certainly is in contention if he keeps up this form...but playing fullback wont help him. The Blues have some good wingers to choose from (when you throw in Hayne etc...).
Renegade
Guest
I'm guessing Matt is a Souths fan.....
mushi
Roar Guru
Well by definition if he had ground away and made the team then he isn't a bolter.
eagleJack
Guest
Haha I know you are turbo! Interesting to see young Norman signing for the Eels. Will they use him at 1 or 6? I'd say 6 and leave Hayne to simply concentrate on fullback duties.
turbodewd
Guest
Stirring :^) As long as Hayne isnt fullback Im happy.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
I'll be you a case of Crownies he is still killing it in May Nostradamus.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
I can't say he'd be less deserving than any of those blokes.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Robinson has been consistently impressive. Name one Blues back who has been consistently as good as Robinson over the passed 12 months.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
BTW, the only person in the comp you want defense against the Queensland and Aust star studded back lineis Brett Stewart, even if asked I could swap him for a Queensland any Queensland I'd decline. I've watched him closely since 03 and wouldnt want anyone else there if my life was on the line. He plays a few notches down since his knee injures but still reminds you in the big games why he was the au fullback before injuries. Go the blues
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Hey nostra, there's a few here as well, think 2012, g Stewart played the back end of last season with one arm and functional hand, will be fit and running on for nsw in the second game as match fitness may be a prob, where's t Merrin.
oikee
Guest
If Gidley starts the game, then Robbo would make the perfect utility player. He is often now in at dummy half and his speed and footwork is the best in the game, not to mention his support play. Why am i helping out here, Queensland are going to serve you up more humble pie. The only problem with Robbo and Merrit is they were not born Queenslanders. Both would have their names on the walk of fame Suncorp stadium path by now.
eagleJack
Guest
Yep, even if you despise Hayne you cannot deny that he is always one of the best for NSW. 2 x Brad Fittler medals and always in the top 2 or 3 each game is proof of that. Having class around him is a great help at rep level. He doesn't have to do everything like at NRL level and can simply concentrate on a simple game plan. Injecting himself where needed. Hayne, unless injured, is a certainty for Game 1.
Nostradamus
Guest
Another March champion who will be forgotten by May...