This is true, however I feel like it’s a game the Raiders just did what they had to do to get the points. I have no doubt they had 2 or 3 more gears if they needed it.For the last 5-6 seasons we have been hammered by the Raiders every time we have played them. Those games have generally descended into an embarrassing men vs boys match up.
Last night we matched them physically and were the better team for most of the game. They defended better than us especially around the ruck and controlled the ruck getting away with way too much. We made some costly 1v1 missed tackles and we still struggle with our attack close to the line.
That said, they are a top side with probably the best pack in the NRL and one of the fastest set of backs- they have won, is it 9 straight games? Yet we matched them and weren’t far off beating them.
Realistically considering where we have come from - this indicates a definite improvement!
Therein lies the problem, other teams know they can manage games at 80% and still get the win.