Search found 400 matches

by twistedbydesign
March 23, 2024, 12:18 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2024 Round 3 v Warriors: Game Day
Replies: 659
Views: 21764

Re: 2024 Round 3 v Warriors: Game Day

I wasn't too disheartened by that, if I'm honest. Loved the commitment in defense, a few of the try savers were outstanding - led by Savage's, of course, but I thought Strange's grass cutter on Rocco Berry was a ripper as well, particularly in the context of a pretty tough night for the kid. He's pl...
by twistedbydesign
March 8, 2024, 8:55 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2024 Round 1 v Knights: Game Day
Replies: 682
Views: 22884

Re: 2024 Round 1 v Knights: Game Day

I found that press conference to be quite disappointing. After a great win Ricky was unnecessarily petulant. The open question was a jurno heaping praise only to get Ricky snarl something like “it’s up to you to describe the performance not me”. Then the media try to heap praise on Fogs kicking gam...
by twistedbydesign
February 18, 2024, 4:15 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2024 Trial 1 v Eels: Teams and Game Day *Teams p1*
Replies: 461
Views: 30462

Re: 2024 Trial 1 v Eels: Teams and Game Day *Teams p1*

Great to have footy back! Pleased that we've got through the weekend with no significant injuries (unless I missed something?) Stewart looks to have done enough. That we didn't see any of Weekes at fullback itself is telling, and the kid handled what was thrown at him. Loved seeing him constantly pu...
by twistedbydesign
September 11, 2023, 2:04 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Finals Week 1 v Knights: Game Day
Replies: 944
Views: 46116

Re: 2023 Finals Week 1 v Knights: Game Day

Easily the most enjoyable game of the year. Seeing Ata and Mooney stand up in that kind of environment is a huge plus to finish the season. I expect us to win less games next season, but I do think we will finally see a genuine rebuild that should have started 18-24 months ago. I'm looking forward t...
by twistedbydesign
September 4, 2023, 5:45 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Congratulations Ricky
Replies: 81
Views: 5083

Re: Congratulations Ricky

Here's our record against the other top 8 sides (based on final ladder position, not where they were placed when we played them). 1) 11 games played. 3 wins, 8 losses. 2) Latest win was June 25th against the Roosters. We lost the last 5 games against finals-bound opposition. 3) Points scored = 156, ...
by twistedbydesign
August 27, 2023, 2:09 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 26 v Broncos: Game Day
Replies: 830
Views: 34584

Re: 2023 Rd 26 v Broncos: Game Day

Rapana's ridiculous trip attempt and subsequent sin bin was far more significant to the outcome of the game than anything the ref did. This is the same guy who got fined for similar last week, and has been guilty of these kind of reckless plays every time he plays fullback because his tackling techn...
by twistedbydesign
August 4, 2023, 7:21 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Canberra Raiders snubbed by NRL for Las Vegas double header
Replies: 140
Views: 10907

Re: Canberra Raiders in the running for Las Vegas double header

With the way our boys have started the last couple of seasons, a Vegas trip in round 1 sounds like an absolute disaster :lol:
by twistedbydesign
July 8, 2023, 2:16 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 19 v Dragons: Game Day
Replies: 707
Views: 71079

Re: 2023 Rd 19 v Dragons: Game Day

We dont win this game if Stuart doesnt switch the wingers. Stuart won this game on tactics. And ill give all credit to him for it. I was coming on to say this same thing. I was screaming for Frawley to be hooked for Jack too but Ricky was already on it. Much better bench rotation too. To be fair, i...
by twistedbydesign
June 28, 2023, 1:33 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Jarrod Croker reveals it's possible he might not play on in 2024
Replies: 112
Views: 11755

Re: Jarrod Croker reveals it's possible he might not play on in 2024

Put me in the "time to move on" camp, as well. It's been a great story that he's been able to get back into the team this year, and by the sounds of it he's worked incredibly hard to do so, which is a fitting end to a great career. But I'm of the view we need to bet on upside - particularl...
by twistedbydesign
June 13, 2023, 9:14 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 15 v Warriors: Game Day
Replies: 633
Views: 31293

Re: 2023 Rd 15 v Warriors: Game Day

Lot of chat about Nic Cotric and his sideways running, implying it's a recent flaw in his game. He ALWAYS had a tendency to run across field, the difference was in his first couple of years he actually had some juice, and when he spotted a gap he was explosive enough to put a foot in the ground, str...
by twistedbydesign
June 10, 2023, 1:41 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 15 v Warriors: Game Day
Replies: 633
Views: 31293

Re: 2023 Rd 15 v Warriors: Game Day

Very ordinary performance under any circumstances, let alone given the occasion. Aside from Taps and Papa in their first stint all our players had their colours lowered. I believe the first half is fundamentally more problematic that the second. You can't squander runs of possession like that in the...
by twistedbydesign
May 28, 2023, 1:15 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 13 v Rabbitohs: Game Day
Replies: 636
Views: 27906

Re: 2023 Rd 13 v Rabbitohs: Game Day

Great victory! Really brave performance given all the adversity. Even though they chose to retire, I can't help but wonder if seeing all the news from Origin camp sparked Papa and Jack to show they can still play at an elite level. Either way, both were immense - along with Red, Taps, and others. I ...
by twistedbydesign
May 14, 2023, 9:24 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 11 v Eels: Game Day
Replies: 445
Views: 21248

Re: 2023 Rd 11 v Eels: Game Day

I loved the physicality of our defense last night. Taps and Papa have quietly found form, complementing the ascension of Hors and Young. I think the latter played himself into an origin jersey. Jack has been terrific since he got the contract saga out of the way. Came up with some huge defensive pla...
by twistedbydesign
May 10, 2023, 12:40 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 11 v Eels: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*
Replies: 374
Views: 28080

Re: 2023 Rd 11 v Eels: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*

I'm OK with the Hoppa decision - I can see how it could strengthen unity in the squad to know that all players are able to put family first when they need to, not just Taps and that calibre of player. Having said that, I'm finding a spot somewhere in the 17 for Savage, that's beyond doubt. He just b...
by twistedbydesign
May 6, 2023, 8:15 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 10 v Bulldogs: Game Day
Replies: 817
Views: 33787

Re: 2023 Rd 10 v Bulldogs: Game Day

I actually agree with Ricky, we played better than the final margin indicates. With Papa and Tapine hitting their straps and Hors improving weekly our starting middle forwards are really dominating. Add to that a little extra control from Fogarty and a bit more quality ball to the outside backs - Ti...
by twistedbydesign
May 6, 2023, 8:08 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 10 v Bulldogs: Fans' Choice Player of the Year
Replies: 39
Views: 2524

Re: 2023 Rd 10 v Bulldogs: Fans' Choice Player of the Year

3. Hors
2. Timoko
1. Young

The final point could have gone to a number of blokes, frankly. I thought Wighton in particular was very good, and robbed a couple of tries that he'd set up.
by twistedbydesign
April 30, 2023, 2:06 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 9 v Dolphins: Game Day
Replies: 614
Views: 28115

Re: 2023 Rd 9 v Dolphins: Game Day

This, ladies and gentlemen, was the full Ricky Stuart experience. On the one hand, he got the team up and won a game after a week of huge distractions - including a blistering start with some of the best footy we're capable of. There is no doubt that he has the ability to galvanize a squad, and that...
by twistedbydesign
April 27, 2023, 3:19 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Jack Wighton to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2024
Replies: 2847
Views: 250347

Re: Jack Wighton to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2024

I understand people's frustration with the salary cap, but by publicly whining about it (either directly or via mates in the media) all we're doing is highlighting that we offered one of our own guys stupid money and he still wanted out. It might feel good to blow off some steam, but it can't be hel...
by twistedbydesign
April 24, 2023, 11:27 pm
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 9 v Dolphins: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*
Replies: 290
Views: 25376

Re: 2023 Rd 9 v Dolphins: Teams and Previews

I reckon Sticky is going to play Kris as a bench utility that can cover both the backs and the backrow, thus allowing Savage at fullback and Croker at centre. Perhaps not this week, but I think that's the direction he'll go. I don't mind it in a vacuum - I think Kris could be handy in that role - bu...
by twistedbydesign
April 21, 2023, 8:35 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Jack Wighton to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2024
Replies: 2847
Views: 250347

Re: Raiders offer Jack Wighton a four year $4.4 million deal

Assuming he's leaving as reported, it feels like we've probably dodged a bullet here. Offering four years is crazy. In hindsight it likely reflects that we knew we were a long shot from the start. That said, the reality here is that this torpedoes (at least) this season and next for our club. We sim...
by twistedbydesign
April 17, 2023, 2:29 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 7 v Dragons: Game Day
Replies: 640
Views: 25098

Re: 2023 Rd 7 v Dragons: Game Day

Hudson Young has become peak-Rapana like in his ability to make game changing plays in a way that defies the number on his back. There must have been 4-5 times in the last year alone that he's made genuine clutch plays that have delivered wins. And just like peak-Rapa, and other individually brillia...
by twistedbydesign
April 6, 2023, 7:41 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Jack Wighton to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2024
Replies: 2847
Views: 250347

Re: Raiders offer Jack Wighton a four year $4.4 million deal

People ask who I'd target in his place. How about throwing this money at joey manu after his contract expires at the roosters in 24. He is reported to be on about half that amount. Surely he has a price where he considers the move and surely 1.1m and a chance at a spine position gets you into a con...
by twistedbydesign
April 1, 2023, 11:04 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 5 v Panthers: Game Day
Replies: 535
Views: 24194

Re: 2023 Rd 5 v Panthers: Game Day

We were diabolical against Newcastle, but our first half vs Penrith was not bad I'm not even sure this is true, to be honest. We had SO much ball in the first half and still went in well behind, our only points coming through a scrappy try against 12 men. It reminded me of our game against them at ...
by twistedbydesign
March 29, 2023, 2:02 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Jack Wighton to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2024
Replies: 2847
Views: 250347

Re: Jack Wighton targeted by Redcliffe, to test the open market for 2024

The goal is a premiership. Jack has shown us that his skill set as a half isn't good enough especially against the top sides. We need to ask now are we more Of a chance to win a premiership with Jack or a new marquee. I'd say the latter. I think his skill set is great for a 5/8. What is lacking is ...
by twistedbydesign
March 29, 2023, 1:58 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Jack Wighton to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2024
Replies: 2847
Views: 250347

Re: Jack Wighton targeted by Redcliffe, to test the open market for 2024

The other reality here is Wighton is at an age where he's very unlikely to be around for the next era of successful raiders footy By the time we could rebuild this squad into something that might contend, he's done, career over... so whilst we'd be significantly worse as a football team without him...
by twistedbydesign
March 20, 2023, 4:12 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 3 v Sharks: Game Day
Replies: 642
Views: 26850

Re: 2023 Rd 3 v Sharks: Game Day

Interesting that no one has mentioned the pitch invader at the end of the game. I'm not sure if they were a Sharks fan or not - they wore no club colours. But in the final minute, he ran to the northern end, while the game was still in progress - and "scored" at the northern end, which wa...
by twistedbydesign
March 12, 2023, 12:44 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 2 v Dolphins: Game Day
Replies: 811
Views: 30336

Re: 2023 Rd 2 v Dolphins: Game Day

We didn’t even need to be good in attack. All we needed was the bloke whose job it is to manage the game to look for forced drop outs and put the ball on the ground with his boot in wet conditions. He tried it once. Once. For the rest of the match he was absent on the fifth tackle in those conditio...
by twistedbydesign
March 5, 2023, 12:09 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Rd 1 v Cowboys: Game Day
Replies: 633
Views: 26071

Re: 2023 Rd 1 v Cowboys: Game Day

Hard to know how to feel after that one. Proud of the boys for hanging in there in tough conditions, but on the other hand our deficiencies appear eerily similar to years past. Anyhow, it's round 1 so let's focus on the positives. I thought Timoko looked absolutely electric, it's criminal how little...
by twistedbydesign
February 13, 2023, 8:01 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2023 Preseason Challenge Rd 1 v Bulldogs
Replies: 320
Views: 23764

Re: 2023 Preseason Challenge Rd 1 v Bulldogs

So we played like 2 first graders and still managed to walk away with a serious injury? Good to be back for another year. Was surprised to see Savage even play given our lack of fullback depth, even more surprised that they brought him back on after the HIA. Also I thought it might have been worth g...
by twistedbydesign
October 5, 2022, 2:22 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Former Canberra Raiders player Mark McLinden revealed as Grand Final pitch invader
Replies: 96
Views: 8162

Re: Former Canberra Raiders player Mark McLinden revealed as Grand Final pitch invader

:lol: Rugby league really is the gift that never stops giving. Imagine if they'd led with simply "Former Raider arrested" and asked you to predict the rest of the story - how many guesses would you have had to burn through before you arrived at Marty Mclinden waging a climate protest at th...
by twistedbydesign
September 16, 2022, 9:50 pm
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2022 Finals Week 2 V Eels: Game Day
Replies: 823
Views: 37185

Re: 2022 Finals Week 2 V Eels: Game Day

Completely outplayed 1 through 17. Parra were great, but a disappointing performance nonetheless. Let the record show that we fought hard this year, and have made some strides as a team from where the season started. But we were never a serious threat to the top teams in the comp and have a long way...
by twistedbydesign
September 9, 2022, 2:42 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: Josh Allen signs train and trial deal for 2023
Replies: 38
Views: 3454

Re: Josh Allen signs train and trial deal for 2023

Josh Allen would an incredible edge forward. :lol: I've often thought about this when watching him play. With his combination of skill, size and athleticism he could have been the greatest rugby league player of all time. Not sure if the (Canberra) Raiders can find a spare $US 40 million in the sal...
by twistedbydesign
August 7, 2022, 2:38 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2022 Rd 21 V Panthers: Game Day
Replies: 922
Views: 41104

Re: 2022 Rd 21 V Panthers: Game Day

I said on here through the week that the talk of Raiders favouritism was insane given recent meetings between the two teams. They're on a complete other level to us and have been for 3 seasons now, and some elite play from Tarps and Papa masks the fact that the difference in quality is even bigger t...
by twistedbydesign
August 2, 2022, 1:21 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2022 Rd 21 V Panthers: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*
Replies: 226
Views: 19421

Re: 2022 Rd 21 V Panthers: Teams and Previews

Man there is a lot of good press around the Raiders this week. Obviously Cleary and Luai being out is enormous, but let's not forget the way the Panthers absolutely bullied us earlier in the season. Even though the score didn't blow out to embarrassing levels, it was still as big a mismatch as you w...
by twistedbydesign
July 31, 2022, 1:58 am
Forum: Canberra Raiders
Topic: 2022 Rd 20 V Titans: Game Day
Replies: 558
Views: 24974

Re: 2022 Rd 20 V Titans: Game Day

Agree 100% on Leilua. He was excellent for us for several seasons, when you consider his career before and after the Raiders we got incredible value from that signing. To the game, I thought our kicking game was as good as I've seen it in quite a while. Admittedly this might have a bit to do with ki...