Nothing separates the casuals from the diehards like a Friday 8pm kick-off in the middle of Canberra’s brutal winter.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was full of thanks for the club’s loyal supporters sticking with them through a four-game losing streak and the biting ACT cold.
The quality of football on display in the Raiders’ 20-18 win over the Warriors was also pretty dismal.
Stuart’s men were outscored four tries to three but held on thanks to Warriors’ five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita, who endured a shocking night with the boot after first choice goal-kicker Adam Pompey limped off injured.
But the 8,509 fans who braved the polar conditions – apparent temperatures dived below freezing – won’t care. For the first time in more than three months they have a home win to celebrate.
“It was freezing out there. I’ve got to thank those fans,” Stuart said. “I’m so happy we won for those people because, Jesus, it was freezing. And for those fans – they’re your loyal people, they’re your loyal ones.”
Since a golden point win over the Titans in round six, way back in April, the Raiders have fallen at home to Cronulla (40-0), the Roosters (44-16), North Queensland (34-16) and Newcastle (16-12).
“We don’t try to lose,” Stuart said.
“We’ve been disappointed we haven’t won the last few games at home in front of big crowds. But that was even more satisfying tonight with those people that came tonight. They are dead set, tough, loyal fans and I want to thank them.”
As disappointing as the results have been, more worrying have been the performances, which have not looked like those of a top-eight side.
But recent weeks have shown glimpses of promise.
Canberra came close against the Knights and looked back to their energetic best in the opening quarter stages against the Warriors, racing out to a 14-0 lead, with returning halfback Jamal Fogarty adding much-needed direction in attack.
With three of the Raiders’ next five games at home, they will be banking on the Canberra faithful once again turning GIO Stadium into the Viking fortress that has been key to success in more halcyon days.
“I can’t sit here and ask people to come to the games,” Stuart said.
“All I can do is just keep trying to prepare the football team to perform as well as we did for the first 30 minutes.”
By Jacob Shteyman in Canberra
