2019 Preliminary Final V Rabbitohs: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*

[Azza]

Wow, good luck! Friday arvo traffic on the m5 up to macarthur is shocking at the best of times, add first day of school holidays...

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Aren't school holis 30 September? I might have to start from Sydney a bit earlier, was thinking 1pm...

Nope, i teach in the public sector and the last day is friday ( mine thursday , god love long service leave!)

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Strange - they are gazetted for 30 September. Oh well, definitely leaving by 1pm then!

What if I told you, 30 September was the Monday after Friday 27. So technically they start Monday but if course every family and their dog is going to be on the road Friday afternoon.

Yeah right, fair point. Ok definitely leaving Friday at 1 then!

[The Nickman]

Can you pick me up at the Canberra airport on the way through, Azza?

[Azza]

Can you pick me up at the Canberra airport on the way through, Azza?

I don't think your head would fit through the door.

[The Nickman]

Can you pick me up at the Canberra airport on the way through, Azza?

I don't think your head would fit through the door.

Can't I just hang my head out the window? I usually do anyway.

[BJ]

Guler has taken the Horsburgh and Lui approach of doing everything right on and off the field to grab a top 17 position.

I think Sutton hasn’t fully recovered from injury and it looks to me like the long NRL season has started to catch up with him.

But Sutton’s been really good and he will keep improving. He’s on the up.

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders' historic NRL final sells out in minutes

It almost took less time than to boil an egg. Tickets to the Canberra Raiders preliminary final sold out in less than six minutes on Tuesday morning.

Raiders fan forum, The Greenhouse, posted a message warning against scalpers re-selling tickets at a marked-up price.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... ioned-way/

Ricky Stuart sticks to Canberra Raiders who weathered the Melbourne Storm

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has stuck with the same team that got them to the preliminary final. But Sutton was named in the squad of 21 on Tuesday so could be a late inclusion to face the Rabbitohs.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

'Four days in tears' give Leilua perspective with Canberra future clouded

Joey Leilua's future is up in the air but four days spent in tears as a teenager has the Raiders star simply thankful to be playing footy for a living.

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/24/how ... e-clouded/

Bennett's orders: Make your own way to Canberra: https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/24/ben ... -canberra/

[dubby]

Damn nerves.........

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[Kryptonite]

Only thing that worries me (PJ) is our poor record at home in big matches in past years against teams in finals where we were favourites (Tigers, Sharks). But if we are switched on, focused and have learnt our lesson, I think we can do it.

We didn’t play badly in those games. You have to think that if Campo and Hodgo didn’t go down in those games we win.

Going into this finals series I just hoped we would have luck on our side which it didn’t seem to be the case in 2016 when Austin got hurt at training and Hodgo against Cronulla. I know they both played after that but weren’t at 100%. Croker and Leilua getting hurt in the prelim killed us and I am sure neither would have played in the GF.

It seemed in Melbourne the other week luck was on our side with the close calls going our way. We appear this time to be as close to 100% fit as you can be at this time of year, well rested with a few having a break in Round 25 and then the week off last week.

Our top 19 appear to be settled with only Hudson Young potentially missing (I think he would have missed the 17).

This is the opportunity that only very seldom comes around.

Edrick Lee also happened in 2016

[Azza]

We've been generally great at being the underdogs this year. Hallmark of a good side is to also win when the pressure and expectation is on us. Time for us to do that.

[raiderskater]

I know I will be leaving home at 5pm. Don't want another repeat of the 2016 round 23 game against the Melbourne storm where I didn't end up getting to my seat till half time due to traffic and not being able to find a carpark.

In fairness, the chief issue with that was that there was also an accident on a main road near that as well, which doubly messed things up.

[The Nickman]

I know I will be leaving home at 5pm. Don't want another repeat of the 2016 round 23 game against the Melbourne storm where I didn't end up getting to my seat till half time due to traffic and not being able to find a carpark.

In fairness, the chief issue with that was that there was also an accident on a main road near that as well, which doubly messed things up.

Dubby messed things up? Of COURSE he did!

[julian87]

Guler has taken the Horsburgh and Lui approach of doing everything right on and off the field to grab a top 17 position.

I think Sutton hasn’t fully recovered from injury and it looks to me like the long NRL season has started to catch up with him.

But Sutton’s been really good and he will keep improving. He’s on the up.

Agreed with this.

Now I realize I’m an unfit nobody and these guys are super athletes but calf injuries are horrid. I tore my calf last cricket season and it was agony for ages. And an absolute nightmare for a very long time. Re tweaked it twice coming back early because I just had to play a few games. Worst injury I’ve had and it really makes me acknowledge how tough these blokes are who play through muscle strains and tears.

[Drandyt]

Lockyer and the King both tipping a Raiders victory...

[greeneyed]

Nick Cotric's childhood dream about to come to life in historic final

He blacked out for a second and then the blood gushed all over his hands. Making matters worse Nick Cotric could see a flap of skin hanging down from his nose from the stray boot he copped in his face.

"I just got a big slice there so my skin was all dangling. You see that skin just hanging like something's not right. It's all good and ready to go. That week off really helped me."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

Elliott Whitehead proves to be man of steel ahead of Battle of Britain

They breed them tough in Yorkshire. So much so it's thought Elliott Whitehead will become the fastest Canberra Raider to 100 games.

"It is good to have us all out there and there's Wayne as well, but it's not about England it's just about this club and taking it one step further as a group like we spoke about at the start of the year," Whitehead said.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

Blunt Bateman doesn't expect war of words in Battle of Britain

John Bateman says he couldn't care less about the so called "Battle of Britain" shaping on Friday night.

"They're the opposition and the countrymen I'm worried about are the countrymen I'm going side by side with into the game which is Hodgo [Josh Hodgson], Sutty [Ryan Sutton], Elliott [Whitehead] and the rest of the team," Bateman said.

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/24/blu ... f-britain/

Morley tips Raiders to win Battle of Britain: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 8d83c23972

Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds to cop onslaught from Raiders star Jack Wighton, says Peter Sterling: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/south-sydn ... 6cb8729716

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart stresses the importance of discipline ahead of preliminary final

After a controversial weekend that saw a plethora of sin-bins and costly refereeing decisions, Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has stressed the importance of players keeping their cool against Souths.

“You’ve got to stress it to the boys," he told the Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday morning.

Read more and video: https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/ ... xc6wdyp3ze

How Josh Hodgson convinced Laurie Daley that these Raiders were the real deal

At a celebration of Canberra's first and greatest premiership, Josh Hodgson made his impassioned pitch to Laurie Daley.

"I walked away from that conversation … I said, 'They genuinely believe that they can win it'," Daley said on Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday, in a chat with Raiders captain Jarrod Croker.

Read more: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/canberra-r ... 7129051442

VIDEO: Ricky Stuart and Laurie Daley on Big Sports Breakfast:

https://twitter.com/BigSportsBrekky/sta ... 5606205440

https://twitter.com/BigSportsBrekky/sta ... 5308698624

https://twitter.com/BigSportsBrekky/sta ... 5065297920

https://twitter.com/BigSportsBrekky/sta ... 0322151424

https://twitter.com/BigSportsBrekky/sta ... 5144299520

https://twitter.com/BigSportsBrekky/sta ... 4215562241

@TheGHRaiders on Twitter

VIDEO: Hear from Canberra Raiders back Bailey Simonsson after extending his contract with the Green Machine... plus Raiders forward Sia Soliola! WIN News Canberra reports. http://ow.ly/laUK50wogLA

VIDEO: Green Machine fever hits the nation's capital for the Preliminary Final! Green sausages, green bread, now green donuts! WIN News Canberra reports: http://ow.ly/strd50wohDj

[raiderskater]

Wait, where the **** do we get the green donuts? Might get some for work on Friday.

EDIT: How do we find out which Donut Kings are doing the green donuts?

[reptar]

Wait, where the **** do we get the green donuts? Might get some for work on Friday.

Once upon a time, i found some green donuts that the flat mate had left in the pantry.

[gerg]

Wait, where the **** do we get the green donuts? Might get some for work on Friday.

Once upon a time, i found some green donuts that the flat mate had left in the pantry.

Paradoxically, they gave you the munchies the more you ate?

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[reptar]

Wait, where the **** do we get the green donuts? Might get some for work on Friday.

Once upon a time, i found some green donuts that the flat mate had left in the pantry.

Paradoxically, they gave you the munchies the more you ate?

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I didn't eat them. I think it was sentient

[greeneyed]

2:04am I can’t sleep and it is three nights out! How are the players going to be!

[Bay53]

Hasn’t been a regular goal kicker for four years, kicked a handful each season from a handful of attempts, and now you’re telling us Stuart should change goal kickers in a Preliminary Final? Please!

Fact:
Sezer has a 100% goal kicking record in preliminary finals. No other Raider has kicked a goal in a preliminary since David Furner in 1995.

But no we won’t be changing kickers at this stage. Croker didn’t kick in 2016 because he hurt his knee (or Cameron Smith hurt it). Sezer kicked two from the sideline.

[pickles]

There’s certainly a lot of hype in the media about Canberra. I hope the team are just focussed on what hey need to do to. It’s fantastic to be a part of something this big, especially for a team that hasn’t achieved this very often.

Really a lot of this game will come down to who can handle the occasion better.

[TongueFTW]

I’ve mentioned it a few times - we must attack with our defence if we want to bring the crowd into the game. The best example of this was Origin 1 this year in the second half, where Queensland were shooting off their line and keeping NSW pinned in their 20. It saps a lot of energy but we should have plenty with a week off going against what looks like a pretty battered side. Hit hard, drive them back. It will nullify Cook and therefore Walker if we can win the territory/momentum battle.

[Peter]

2:04am I can’t sleep and it is three nights out! How are the players going to be!

I can sleep. But the dreams...oh boy I hope they come true!

[Northern Raider]

2:04am I can’t sleep and it is three nights out! How are the players going to be!

I can sleep. But the dreams...oh boy I hope they come true!

Anyway, back onto footy.

[greeneyed]

NRL warns against getting scalped over Canberra Raiders tickets

The NRL is warning fans against buying tickets from money-hungry scalpers because you could get stung with a fake.

"Fans should be reminded that we cannot guarantee the validity of tickets purchased through unauthorised resellers. Our supporters are encouraged not to purchase tickets from unauthorised resellers including Viagogo and Ticketmaster Resale."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14280

[GreenMachine]

2:04am I can’t sleep and it is three nights out! How are the players going to be!

That was me yesterday.
I think I’ve played the game in my head about 50 times...we won all them if anyone was wondering.

[Coastalraider]

There’s certainly a lot of hype in the media about Canberra. I hope the team are just focussed on what hey need to do to. It’s fantastic to be a part of something this big, especially for a team that hasn’t achieved this very often.

Really a lot of this game will come down to who can handle the occasion better.

I have zero doubt we can win the game. Just like I have zero doubt should we make it, we can win the GF, against either of those teams we may face.

Where my nervousness and concerns are is wether we can win the occasion. That is where the other 3 teams left have the advantage on us.

[Azza]

Don't get too carried away folks, we will be in a real fight on Friday night and the team needs to be ready for it from the outset rather than realise halfway through the match and start playing catch up football. That has been our downfall in big finals at home in past years.

[Wiki Special]

I’ve mentioned it a few times - we must attack with our defence if we want to bring the crowd into the game. The best example of this was Origin 1 this year in the second half, where Queensland were shooting off their line and keeping NSW pinned in their 20. It saps a lot of energy but we should have plenty with a week off going against what looks like a pretty battered side. Hit hard, drive them back. It will nullify Cook and therefore Walker if we can win the territory/momentum battle.

This is another reason I hope Sticky plays Sutton over Guler.

[magoo]

2:04am I can’t sleep and it is three nights out! How are the players going to be!

I can sleep. But the dreams...oh boy I hope they come true!

This week is passing so slowly.
It's torture.

[pickles]

There’s certainly a lot of hype in the media about Canberra. I hope the team are just focussed on what hey need to do to. It’s fantastic to be a part of something this big, especially for a team that hasn’t achieved this very often.

Really a lot of this game will come down to who can handle the occasion better.

I have zero doubt we can win the game. Just like I have zero doubt should we make it, we can win the GF, against either of those teams we may face.

Where my nervousness and concerns are is wether we can win the occasion. That is where the other 3 teams left have the advantage on us.

Spot on. For what its worth I think this team has the maturity to handle the occasion better than previous teams in similar situations but the first 10 minutes of this game is absolutely critical. If we settle into our game I think we will be fine but the Bunnies will be doing everything they can to put us off our game.

Fortunately my work has been flat out this week, other wise I'd be over analysing this even more and going absolutely insane!

[woppadingo]

Main thing going against the Rabbitohs is they let in a lot of points last week. Gives me confidence the Raiders can score a few against them. With our defence being consistent, we should get over them.
Main worry for me is Bennets ability to get the team to lift for a big game.

[sprintman]

Even if we lose Friday we’re still winners this season. Respect has returned, and we’re everybody’s second team. I’ll be shattered if we lose, but I know we’re back!

[zim]

Main thing going against the Rabbitohs is they let in a lot of points last week. Gives me confidence the Raiders can score a few against them. With our defence being consistent, we should get over them.
Main worry for me is Bennets ability to get the team to lift for a big game.

Wighton vs Reynolds on one side and Leilua vs Gagai on the other. Should be plenty of opportunity.