Jamal Fogarty in the win against the Broncos at GIO Stadium with a crowd of almost 19,000 fans watching on. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
The pundits have described the Raiders’ 32-22 victory over the Brisbane Broncos as an ambush in the nation’s capital.
In other words, the big-name Broncos players touted as capable of carrying Brisbane to the premiership this year came up against a team with players of a lesser profile and left Canberra Stadium empty handed after being completely outplayed.
The Raiders were also without Joe Tapine and Xavier Savage, who were instrumental in the Raiders’ first round victory over the Warriors in Las Vegas.
In many respects, the wins over the Warriors and the Broncos have set a template of how the Raiders intend to play this season: aggressive line speed defence, minimal mistakes and a good kicking game with high-intensity attack.
It is early days but the Raiders team in 2025 appears to be fitter than has been the case for a number of seasons.
Another factor is Zac Hosking who has emerged as a key player with an ability to play in multiple positions. His absence for much of 2024 was sorely felt. Unfortunately, Hosking could be out with another injury following the game against the Broncos. He has a suspected broken hand.
Zac Hosking was a major contributor to the Raiders’ win over the Broncos at GIO Stadium in the first game at home in 2025. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
Jamal Fogarty’s calming influence on the team, which was also missing during an injury-enforced absence last season, has been evident for all to see in 2025.
He wasn’t the only player to step up.
The buy-in from players such as Corey Horsbrough has been significant. Horsbrough was on the outer for much of last season but has emerged as a key player.
Tom Starling’s form in the first two rounds presents an interesting conundrum for the Raiders with Canberra signing Newcastle hooker Jayden Brailey for two years from 2026, along with the contract extension of young gun, Owen Pattie.
Starling has been inspirational in the first two rounds. He is one of the factors behind the increased pace in the Raiders’ game this season.
Tom Starling celebrates with Raiders team mates. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
The Raiders’ high intensity and aggressive style of play may have caught the Warriors and the Broncos by surprise, but you can be guaranteed that honeymoon will be short lived.
Another factor destined to make it tougher for the Raiders from this moment on is the gruelling schedule over the next seven weeks.
The Raiders face Manly at Brookvale on Sunday night followed by the Cowboys in Townsville.
They return to Canberra to play the Sharks before going back on the road to play Parramatta in Darwin, then the Titans on the Gold Coast.
The Raiders are back home to play the Dolphins before flying to Brisbane to play the Storm in Magic Round.
The next six weeks could define the season. If nothing else, it will bring the team closer.
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