Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett believes two “grand finals” sapped the energy out of his team early in their debut season after the NRL newcomers were flogged 38-12 by the Dragons.
The NRL’s newest franchise stunned the rugby league world in Round 1, beating the Roosters in a shock ambush in the club’s debut first grade appearance.
The Dolphins bested the Raiders and the Knights before facing off against Kevin Walters’ Broncos in the heated battle for Brisbane.
‘We are better than that’: Bennett’s ‘grand final’ excuse for lacklustre Dolphins
Raiders of the lost spark search for answers against Broncos
Questions have been raised about the Canberra Raiders' mental fortitude after a disappointing start to 2023, but ahead of a tough clash against Brisbane, there's still fight in them, Hudson Young says.
"It's easy [to fix] because it's there, we've just got to f---ing look each other in the eye, commit to each other and play for 80 minutes," the second-rower told The Canberra Times.
"It's just a mentality thing. We know we're fit enough, we know we're good enough.
Raiders rally behind legend in critical condition
The Canberra Raiders are rallying around club legend Sam Backo and his family while the Queenslander is in a "critical condition" in a Cairns hospital.
In a statement released by the club, it was confirmed Backo had suffered a heart attack on Saturday and "at this stage remains in a critical condition".
"Christabel, Sam's wife and extended family appreciate the support and prayers received for Sam," the Raiders statement read.
