With the Raiders keen to build on an impressive finish to their 2012 season, Dragons tragic Adam Bagnall casts his eye over the Raiders chances for 2013.
If the Raiders manage to play the full season, instead of only coming alive in the second half, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
They won just four of their first eleven matches and sat in thirteenth position after the opening twelve rounds of 2012. History shows us they finished in sixth position, winning nine out of their next thirteen matches.
They head into 2013 with a well balanced side; out wide they boast Blake Ferguson, Sandor Earl, Jarrod Croker and Reece Robinson, with the talented Josh Dugan at fullback. They have two young halves in Josh McCrone and Sam Williams who will battle it out to partner the returning Terry Campese. Up front, they have players like Brett White, David Shillington, Josh Papali and the workhorse Shaun Fensom.
Without having the superstars like Thurston, Cronk, or Marshall that’s as good a side as you could hope for. Add former Knights second rower Joel Edwards and young star Jake Foster and you have a great looking side. If they start well and are consistent, they could make the top four quite easily with the roster they have.
They have one of the easiest starts to 2013, playing the Panthers, Titans, Dragons and Knights. All four sides missed the playoffs in 2012. They should win all four, considering the biggest challenge, the Dragons, haven’t won in Canberra since 2000.
If Campese stays healthy and gets back to his best, the Raiders will pose a massive threat in 2013 and should play finals football again.
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