Coach Kevin Walters believes his team has what it takes to defeat the high-performing Raiders, despite missing key players due to injury. Hosting Canberra without captain Adam Reynolds and star prop Payne Haas, Walters trusts in the current lineup to step up and secure a victory.
“We’re sticking with the same 17 as last week, which is positive for us,” Walters stated. “The team is still working on building their combinations, and it’s good they’re getting that opportunity.”
Walters emphasized the need for improved discipline, focusing on aspects like offside from kicks and play-the-ball. Addressing these areas has been a priority in training leading up to the match.
Walters acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by the Raiders’ forward pack, led by players like Tapine, Papali’i, and Smithies, despite missing some of their own key players.
“They’re a strong team, well-coached, and boast talented players,” Walters commented. “They’ve had a strong start to the season, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
He anticipates an intense contest, particularly in the forward battle, recognizing Canberra’s gritty and tough playing style. Walters sees this matchup as a valuable experience for his own forwards.
Walters highlights the leadership of Pat Carrigan in the forward pack, noting the collective effort of the team in supporting him. He sees the upcoming match as an opportunity for the players to showcase their skills and maintain discipline on home turf.
He also shares positive news about the potential return of Brendan Piakura and Deine Mariner, along with Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas, in the next round against Wests Tigers. However, Walters remains focused on the present, emphasizing the importance of a strong performance in the upcoming game against Canberra.
While looking forward to the future, Walters underscores the significance of the current match and expresses confidence in the selected lineup, expecting improvements from the team.