“They have let slip a huge opportunity.” These were the words echoing through the rugby league community following the Canberra Raiders’ heartbreaking 29-28 defeat to the Brisbane Broncos. As the Raiders gear up for their next challenge, they face a daunting task: defying history to win this year’s NRL grand final.
The defeat, which took place on Sunday, was a dramatic encounter that saw the Raiders lose a 16-point lead and experience the agony of having two potential game-winning plays overturned by the Bunker. Ultimately, it was Ben Hunt’s 94th-minute field goal that sealed the Broncos’ victory, leaving the Raiders with a mountain to climb.
Historic Hurdles and Expert Opinions
Since the introduction of the top eight in 1995, no minor premier who lost in Week 1 of the finals series has gone on to win the grand final. This statistic looms large over the Raiders as they attempt to rewrite history. The closest any team has come was the 2008 Melbourne Storm, who were defeated 40-0 by Manly in the decider after an exhausting finals campaign.
NRL legend Braith Anasta commented on the enormity of the task facing Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.
“It will be a big job for Ricky Stuart. It’s unprecedented,” Anasta said. “He kissed his players on the bench and celebrated like they won two or three times.”
Meanwhile, Cooper Cronk, a multiple premiership-winning halfback, expressed skepticism about the Raiders’ chances of bouncing back.
“In my opinion, they had to win yesterday to be a chance to win the Grand Final. I think they’re going to struggle to bounce back from that,” Cronk told foxsports.com.au.
The Path Forward: Semi-Final Showdown
Despite the daunting historical precedent, the Raiders have a glimmer of hope as they prepare to face Cronulla in the semi-final. Only one minor premier has exited the finals in straight sets since 1995—the 2009 Dragons. This statistic may provide some solace to Raiders fans as they look to avoid a similar fate.
Club legend Bradley Clyde remains optimistic about the Raiders’ chances.
“Ricky’s prepared the team for the last sort of six weeks, training a little bit harder for this finals series so physically they’ll be fine but mentally they’re going to have to reset,” Clyde said.
Stuart himself remains confident in his team’s ability to rebound. “I’ve got to get them up and we’ve spoken about that. If you’re not hurting now, you shouldn’t be doing the job. We dust ourselves off and go again,” he stated during the post-game press conference.
Looking Ahead: The Mental and Physical Challenge
The Raiders’ ability to overcome the mental and physical toll of their loss to the Broncos will be crucial in determining their fate against Cronulla. Stuart emphasized the importance of resilience and professionalism in the face of adversity.
“We have a strong resolve. It (the loss) doesn’t increase it, we’ve just got to deal with the hard way now,” Stuart noted.
Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield highlighted Stuart’s determination to rally his team. “He’s going to walk into that presentation on Monday night, he’s going to be upbeat and he’s going to pick those young boys off the canvas,” Rothfield said on NRL360.
As the Raiders prepare for their clash with Cronulla, the stakes could not be higher. A win would keep their grand final dreams alive, while a loss would mark the end of their season. The upcoming game promises to be a colossal encounter, with both teams eager to prove their mettle.
The Canberra Raiders’ journey through the finals will be a test of character, resilience, and the ability to defy the odds. As they face the Sharks, the rugby league world will be watching to see if they can achieve the unprecedented and secure a spot in the grand final.
