Forget being chased by Freddy Krueger, free-falling, or being naked in public, winning the NRL wooden spoon is Canberra captain Terry Campese’s “worst nightmare”.
Unfortunately it’s now a distinct possibility for the Raiders, who have lost nine of their past 11 games to sink to second last on the ladder.
The Ricky Stuart-coached Raiders are only ahead of Cronulla due to a better for-and-against, and the two clubs are level-pegged as $1.90 favourites to finish the season last.
It would be a crushing reality check for Campese – who has faithfully served the club since debuting in 2004 – as the Raiders haven’t won the notorious award since their inception back in 1982.
Speaking at Raiders’ HQ on Friday, Campese addressed the Nightmare on Eade Street.
“I don’t want to finish off down there, it’s my worst nightmare to be honest,” Campese said.
“But we’ve just got to get out there and not look too far ahead – put all our energy into each week as it comes.”
For the Raiders that means preparing for Sunday’s clash against the Warriors at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
They’ll have more to play for than just getting off the bottom of the log, however, as the Warriors thumped them 54-12 when the two sides last met in round nine.
“It still hurts that game,” Campese said.
“If it wasn’t for that and the Manly game (54-18), our season wouldn’t look as bad.
“We want to make up for that (Warriors) game.”
Samuel
Guest
Have u even been watching campese this year?? Massively ineffective!!! Not only just his running game either. Poor kicking game and not even a threat with ball in hand!!!
scott
Guest
As a broncos fan who's had to watch the Hoff play in the halves most of this year I can tell you a running 5/8 is not always what you need.
Samuel
Guest
Still believe he should make way for Cornish for the last few games. See what the kid has got with a bit of consistent game time in first grade. What do they have to lose?? They r not doing anything with the current halves leading the way at the moment
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Terry Campese bleeds green and there is no doubting his passion for the club but if he can't run with the ball what can he offer the team? I was interested in comparing how far Campese runs with the ball with some of the better performing five eighths in the comp. Stats available on the NRL.com website show Campese ran with the ball for 543 metres in the first 18 matches of the season - an average of 30 metres per game. Compare that with five eighths such as Kieran Foran from Manly who ran 888 metres in 14 games or an average of 63 metres per game and Gareth Widop who ran 1097 metres in 18 games - an average of 61 metres per game. Watching Foran play for Manly last night you can see what a running 5/8 offers the team.
Samuel
Guest
Unfortunately the guy has lost it, and it is really hurting the raiders. I think most people would agree his is just about the worst half in the comp now. When a former origin and international player drops to that level so dramatically, I think it is time to call it a day. He is a raiders great so he should be involved in the club in some regard, but he had lost all running ability and his kicking game is poor nowadays, and he vary rarely creates anything for anyone anymore. It's a shame really :/
Vivalasvegan
Guest
Could be worse Campo, at least you've kept your flowing locks...
Luke
Guest
He should retire, he's not the ball running player he once was. His entire game has suffered from him not having any confidence in his knee. He has to take some of the blame
Fairy fairfax
Roar Rookie
If the wooden spoon lodges in the Raiders trophy cabinet it won't be his fault.