Bencher
Here is part of the one-eyed crap that we have to put up with living in Canberra!
"The Raiders are generally one of the best teams in the NRL for starting the season on a winning note. Canberra has lost just 1 of its opening matches in the past 7 seasons while Manly has won only 4 of its past 7 season-openers. Both sides finished poorly in 2005 - the Raiders lost 7 in a row while the Sea Eagles lost 9 of their final 11 contests. A loss for Canberra on Saturday night would equal the club's longest losing streak of 8 consecutive matches, something the modern day players obviously don't want to be associated with. Coach Matt Elliott has gambled on 3 debutants in Ben Jones, Adrian Purtell & Willie Raston and he should be commended on his call to do so. The Raiders have an abundance of talented youth who could have spent the season on the sidelines but Elliott has taken a pro-active approach to the season and blooded 3 of the club's future stars. Bookmakers disagree but the Raiders can start 2006 with a win."
"The Raiders are generally one of the best teams in the NRL for starting the season on a winning note. Canberra has lost just 1 of its opening matches in the past 7 seasons while Manly has won only 4 of its past 7 season-openers. Both sides finished poorly in 2005 - the Raiders lost 7 in a row while the Sea Eagles lost 9 of their final 11 contests. A loss for Canberra on Saturday night would equal the club's longest losing streak of 8 consecutive matches, something the modern day players obviously don't want to be associated with. Coach Matt Elliott has gambled on 3 debutants in Ben Jones, Adrian Purtell & Willie Raston and he should be commended on his call to do so. The Raiders have an abundance of talented youth who could have spent the season on the sidelines but Elliott has taken a pro-active approach to the season and blooded 3 of the club's future stars. Bookmakers disagree but the Raiders can start 2006 with a win."
