We know all about the freezing temperatures in the nation’s capital, but there’s one Canberra resident whose temperature might have reached boiling point last week: David Furner.
The Raiders’ coach was furious after his team’s 36-12 loss to the Storm – labelling the performance “probably our worst game this season and definitely the worst second half” – as their 2010 campaign went from life support to almost lifeless with just over a month of the year to play. With that in mind, it’s little wonder the Raiders’ legend has rolled the dice and rushed back big names Alan Tongue and Josh Dugan – as well as rising star Shaun Fensom – for this week’s must-win clash against the Panthers.
Currently sitting in 12th spot and four points adrift of the top eight, a loss in the “comfort” of their cold home will just about end what would be another season of lost opportunities.
In stark contrast, the mountain men have only just found their heartbeat themselves, snatching a much-needed, last-gasp 24-16 victory over the lowly Cowboys last Friday.
Penrith’s premiership credentials had taken a serious battering leading up to the game, with Matt Elliott’s men having lost their previous three matches. But after keeping their second spot (at least for a week), and the Dragons conceding defeat to the Broncos last Sunday, they’re now back in contention – along with the Roosters and Tigers – to take out the minor premiership. (Thus, it should be pointed out that the Panthers have won the competition each time they’ve finished the regular season on top of the ladder, in 1991 and ’03.
Matthew Bell gets another start in the run-on team this week, while veteran prop Frank Puletua and young Sandor Earl have been an added to form an extended bench.
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