FULL-TIME Raiders 4 – Broncos 28
Comprehensive in the end for the Broncos. Two very different halves of football but the Broncos managed to win them both. The first was a real arm wrestle without a single penalty given, but Brisbane managed to win the battle for territory and capitalised with a couple of tries to in-form winger Dale Copley.
The second half was a much different affair – scrappy at times, tempers flaring and 11 penalties blown. It was played much more heavily in each side’s 20m and it was the Broncos who took their chances.
The Raiders did a lot of things right but they really lack that killer instinct in the opposition’s 20m. They got caught on the last tackle on more than one occasion, their short kicking game wasn’t all that accurate, and they generally failed to trouble the Broncos’ defence despite building up a fair bit of pressure from the 60 minute mark onwards.
Huge games from McGuire and Parker up front for the Broncos, and I thought Hunt and Hoffman controlled the game well on the back of that. Hunt in particular continued his strong form and, as we found out tonight, has been rewarded by being named in the Queensland Origin squad for Game 2. Jack Reed should also be singled out for his defensive effort on Jack Wighton tonight – Wighton is dangerous in attack but Reed had his number every time.
Two clubs facing plenty of off-field dramas – but with differing fortunes on the field – go head-to-head when the Canberra Raiders take on the Brisbane Broncos at GIO Stadium. Join us for score updates and debate on our live blog from 7pm.
It’s been a tough old week for Raiders fans as they’ve watched their club try – and fail – to sign four top-line free agents.
Josh Mansour, Kevin Proctor and Michael Ennis all turned down big offers to head to the nation’s capital in 2015, before James Tedesco backflipped on a reported $1.9 million deal before the ink could even dry.
As the Raiders attempt to fight off a reputation as ‘a club no one wants go to’, the players already there have a chance to restore some pride with a big performance against the visiting Broncos.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has stated there will be a clean-out of the current roster for 2015, and despite the struggling recruitment drive the players will still feel like they’re out there playing for their contracts.
Meanwhile, the Broncos face off-field turmoil of their own as the probe into possible salary cap breaches continues.
But while the NRL is yet to conclude its investigation, the spectre of lost points hanging over the heads of the players has not appeared to take its toll, as the Broncos recorded their third win on the trot in Round 12, romping home 36-12 over Manly.
Halfback Ben Hunt continues to prove a revelation for the club despite modest pre-season expectations, while Dale Copley had a breakout game last week deputising for Justin Hodges at centre. High-profile fullback Ben Barba, who has thus far struggled to live up to lofty expectations, showed some good touches too, setting up two tries
Meanwhile, Origin representative Sam Thaiday will be looking for a big game as he pushes for a return to the Queensland squad in just his second game back from injury.
Copley pushes back to the wing to accommodate Hodges, with Lachlan Maranta making way. Other than that, the Broncos line up the same as last week.
For the Raiders, young playmaker Mitch Cornish will continue to be eased into first grade from the bench and will be hoping for increased minutes as becomes more comfortable.
Jack Wighton will be looking to push his claims for an Origin call-up, his form since moving back to right centre strong enough to see his name in the mix.
And, of course, all eyes will be on Raiders fullback Anthony Milford, who will move to the Broncos next season and will want a big performance against his both future side and his opposite number, Barba.
Which of these sides can best shake off their off-field dramas to post the points where it matters?
Call me crazy, but the home advantage, typically cold Canberra conditions and a sense of something to play for will be enough for the home side to cause an upset here.
Raiders by 8.
fiver
Guest
The sharks will win some games once they start getting players back, Knights too. The wooden spoon will be between the Raiders and Dragons and I think the Dragons have a lot more to offer with the ball than the pathetic team in green.
Jono
Guest
Woeful again from the Raiders. They'll struggle to win another game this season. Actually, scrap that they still have to play the Dragons who seem to lose their bundle and give away the game to the Raiders, so they're a chance there. Aside of inexplicable hoodus the Raiders will probably only probably avoid the wooden spoon because the Sharks seem even more clueless than the Raiders.
Shane
Roar Pro
Are the Raiders the new NRL basket case? Very ordinary in attack this year. Some really soft efforts in D too.
Scrubbit
Guest
The ref who was in position to call it said 6 again then the guy who had no view said nah late carry.
Scrubbit
Guest
Not really. I think he just made his debut when no one had really heard of him and NSW and QLD weren't quite as vigilant with their player development.
Scrubbit
Guest
Sorry I misread. I thought it said 6 weeks. World Cup players are given one switch to make the World Cup more competitive. Like Hayne playing for Fiji and I think Carroll playing for NZ.
scott
Guest
Don't get me wrong Matt, I'm a broncos man myself and a fan of Reed too. He's shown a lot of courage throughout his career and never stops fighting when the going gets tough. But he had a poor 2013 and up until the last couple of games wasn't doing too well this year. On song he's a tough defender but lacks the speed to really play good attacking football. I'm loving his last couple of games for the Broncos but just don't think he would suit the origin team.
Scrubbit
Guest
No he pulled out and played U20s origin remember? Probably lucky Meninga did that as well.
Planko
Guest
Matt I agree they need to sort it out cause players missing out on SOO are missing out on serious dollars.
Matt
Guest
Was it publicised why he chose NZ? NSW would have been a better choice you'd think, Thurston is only a few years away from retirement and no other Austrlaian 6 is banging the door down to replace him.
Planko
Guest
Having said that I think Manly are happy to see him not play SOO
Matt
Guest
Milford was named for QLD I thought I saw. Did he not play for Samoa 6 months ago? Come on now! :D
Scrubbit
Guest
Yeah he's definitely similar to K Foran and SBW.
Planko
Guest
Ok no QLD for him
Scrubbit
Guest
I don't believe he switched allegiance back and would've played for England but for a shoulder recon.
Planko
Guest
A more interesting example is K Foran ... Played in NSW from the age of 8. Played in the U 18 NSW side yet cause he plays for NZ can't represent his state of residence since he was 8
Matt
Guest
Ah true, forgot about that :) For a one-off the arvo could work.
Matt
Guest
Fair enough. I find him quite good, being in the Broncos there's likely some bias there. He is no Inglis, Tonga or Chambers though? Hmm.
Matt
Guest
I'm ok with say Minichello who will *never* play again for Australia, playing for Italty, simply to make their side a bit better. Switching from some other country back to Australia (or QLD/NSW), nope, you made your choice. It is tricky and that's why there's so much controversy, his heritage is England, he chose England. He did play in Australia... got to draw the line somewhere though.
scott
Guest
He was born in sunny England but moved here early in his life and played all his junior football in Queensland, so he would have been eligible. But he chose to throw his lot in with the soap dodgers a few years back instead. For what it's worth Matt I wouldn't have him in the qld squad. He's been pretty average for the last couple of seasons and lacks pace. Good bloke and tries hard but there are better options.