We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
As a Raiders fan, the opening game of the season could not have provided more drama and edge-of-the-seat anticipation.
Soon after kickoff, it became quickly apparent that the Raiders had adopted a new, more flamboyant approach in attack, with Elliot Whitehead providing an additional attacking option on either side of the ruck.
There was Ricky on the sideline jumping with joy as his players, down on personnel because of injury, came from behind to defeat the Sharks.
The Warriors have defied the odds to claim a thrilling Golden Point victory over the Canberra Raiders at Moreton Daily Stadium, with Shaun Johnson booting a field goal in extra time to secure the comeback win.
But Saturday afternoon’s triumph was potentially aided by a controversial Bunker decision that gifted the Warriors a crucial penalty in the 79th minute.
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In the 2019 NRL grand final against the Sydney Roosters, half the Canberra Raiders starting forward pack comprised English players: Josh Hodgson was hooker, and John Bateman and Elliott Whitehead were in the second row, while Ryan Sutton was part of the wider squad but didn’t play in the decider.
The following season, the number had grown to five with the recruitment of half-back George Williams.
In the loss against the Cowboys on the weekend, Whitehead was the only Englishman on the field in Raiders colours.