Right now, Canberra are the most important team in the NRL – and Terry Campese the most important player.
The Raiders are the X-factor side in this competition – loose as all hell in many ways but capable of tearing it apart.
I’m not saying they’re going to win the premiership, but I’m not saying they won’t, either.
I’m saying watch this space, because they are quite likely going to fill it with something exciting.
Ask yourself which team you most want to see play this weekend. I want to see Canberra when they take on Cronulla at Sharks Stadium on Sunday.
I’m hoping their 44-14 win over Newcastle last Sunday was their breakout game, the one where they really began to understand themselves and a result on which they genuinely build.
There have been a few false dawns for the Raiders in recent years.
They have turned it on for periods of time only to slip back into the also-ran category.
It must have been extremely frustrating for their fans to witness those thrilling ups followed by those distressing downs.
But the fact that potential to do something special has always been there will have kept the supporters hanging in there.
Hopefully, Campese’s horrible luck with injury is over, because he holds the key to them making a genuine impact on the competition.
He is the voice of reason in a team that sometimes still does things on a whim, the experienced hand among a bunch of young blokes who sometimes can’t help but just try their luck.
Campese has spent so much time off the field in the past few years that even though he has remained part of the club he has probably had to get used to his teammates all over again on the field – and them to him.
But you can see the association getting better each week.
We know that South Sydney have taken a step up from last season, and have the attacking weapons to go with a strong defence and high level of discipline.
And we know Sydney Roosters are reborn with the addition of Sonny Bill Williams, James Maloney and Michael Jennings, and under new coach Trent Robinson.
Melbourne, after being the last team to lose a game this season, have suddenly lost a bit of their aura – not so much because they have lost two games in a row, but because opposing teams have hit on the best way to play them and are showing the courage to do it.
Manly refuse to go away, and Canterbury are staging a recovery after struggling through the early rounds due largely to the unavailability of some of their most important players.
And then you’ve got the rest of the competition. Some other teams are going to have to fill top-eight spots, but which of them can honestly threaten to do something in the finals, based on the form we’ve seen so far this season?
The Raiders are the team about which, I reckon, you’ve got to have that must-watch brief.
They are sitting seventh, with five wins and four losses. Their season is delicately poised, and I suppose that – because of their record in recent years – there is the chance they could stumble and fall again.
But I hope it doesn’t happen, and I don’t think it will.
I want them to at least be the team that other sides don’t want to have to play in the finals.
The statistics show that there are only three teams with a worst defensive record than Canberra this season, and those three teams – Parramatta, the Warriors and Wests Tigers – fill the last three spots on the competition table.
Imagine if the Raiders cleaned up their act in defence, how much pressure it would take off their explosive attack.
That is one hell of a proposition right there.
How could you not get excited about terrific young attacking players like Blake Ferguson, Jack Wighton, Edrick Lee, Reece Robinson and Sandor Earl in the backs, and Josh Papalii in the forwards?
And what about Anthony Milford, whom the Raiders are gradually introducing to first grade? He’s still only 18!
The experienced core of players that includes Campese, Josh McCrone, who is approaching 100 first-grade games now, Brett White, Shaun Fensom and Dane Tilse are the glue.
It’s another test for Canberra on the road against a Sharks side that has had a rejuvenation over the last couple of weeks, and it’s going to be very interesting to see how the Raiders go.
I’ll be compelled to watch.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I'm watching this space... ;)
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Funnily enough, we had a better record away last year than at Bruce. But patchiness is our downfall, 9 tries one week, 25 sets of five and kick the next.
Zaccaaa
Guest
Yes they are.. :)
Nomenclature
Guest
Canberra are inconsistent speedy squibs who fold when the big boys warm up - look elsewhere..2 wins in this league and you become a premiership threat - get a grip...
Worriers
Guest
Try being a Warriors fan.
PuntPal
Roar Pro
I think you are right there Greg. When the Raiders lose, the games are often very dour affairs that involve a lot of dropped ball, wrestling in the ruck and usually a few dodgy calls. When the Raiders win, you often see length of the field tries, spectacular aerial grabs and some freakish finishes. The Raiders are not just the dark horses, they are the new entertainers and with Campo pulling the strings, they are as unpredictable as any team in the NRL. Now Ch. 9 need to come to the party and give the Raiders some damn free to air coverage so they can get 20,000 to games on a consistent basis.
Soc the dragon
Guest
I live in Canberra but don't have the Raiders as my number one team I unfortuantely support the most frustrating team in the comp with the most ineffective halves combination coached by a man with little vision or foresight, of course I am talking about the Dragons. I don't want to watch the Dragons as they are boring and predictable (I think five off loads against the Titans last weekend) but I do enjoy watching the Bunnies and especially the Raiders, their style of play will bring fans to the game. I hope they have a top four finish to the season and if they keep playing that style of football like last wekend they will achieve that (need to tighten up on the soft tries though).
Jake
Guest
"The experienced core of players that includes Campese, Josh McCrone, who is approaching 100 first-grade games now, Brett White, Shaun Fensom and Dane Tilse are the glue." I would have included Shillington & TLL in this group above those you mentioned barring Campese.
John
Guest
Am really proud of the Green machines for their last 2 x games, a win over reigning premiers Stoms and again over Night with 14 down come from behind with 44-14 score line.Green machines master class five eight Campo did a very fantastic job last weekend. Blake ferguson was an outstanding center in their 2 x outings and would be very proud if he keeps that form he was in for that 2 games.You can do Green machines,who says no. Am with you (Green Machines) all the way..
Greg Prichard
Guest
I just think they're exciting, and something that doesn't fit into any obvious mould. They've got their problems, but they've got the potential to be stunning, and I think a competition like the NRL really needs a team like them.
The Koomz
Guest
When Joel Thompson and Leroid-Lars come back, they will have a solid pack to match the best.
muzzo
Guest
Honestly, every time I think the raiders are going to fire up they do the opposite. So for all those raiders fans, I'm tipping them for the spoon
Kris Swales
Expert
As a Raiders fan, I'd like The Roar to place a ban on any further articles fancying our chances until well into August. We play much better when we're tipped for the spoon. Thanks.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Once Campo starts taking on the line a little more, that's when I think they will take an even bigger step. Campos kicking in the Newcastle game was a masterclass in how to do it. I was very impressed with the Raiders overall, my real question is can the Raiders forwards continue to lay that sort of platform for the backs? In previous years they could string a few of those games together, then just disappear again.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I think it is way too far out to tell who the Darkhorse is or could be. Generally is seen with about 5 - 10 rounds to go and they come into the finals raring hot.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Won't be long before the Sydney Vultures start circling Canberra to offer big money and rip apart this young team.. watch this space!.
Chop
Guest
I'm looking forward to watching the Raiders v Sharks at Shark Park on Sunday. It should be an awesome clash.
Jonesy74
Guest
Sunday's game very important for the Raiders. 3 wins on the trot, 2 away, will show a steel lacking in recent campaigns. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
The eye
Guest
If Gal doesn't get on the field this week against Papalli then he's hurt more seriously than he's letting on,Sharkies pack so much talent and hopefully ready to rip into those green pretenders