Canberra co-captain Jarrod Croker had little to celebrate after returning from injury in the Raiders’ devastating 44-6 loss to the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday night in the national capital.
The 30-year-old centre has played only five games in 2021 after battling constant shoulder and knee injuries.
Croker said the heavy defeat was hard to swallow, especially after being on the sidelines since round seven this season.
“There’s not a lot you can say really – it was a shock,” said Croker, who had four missed tackles during the game and made an embarrassing error just after halftime when he fumbled the ball in the Titans’ end zone to allow centre Brian Kelly to score an easy try.
Croker wasn’t alone in missing tackles though, with the Raiders racking up a staggering 65 missed tackles throughout the game. Queensland front rower Josh Papalii was the only Raider to not miss a tackle and was clearly their best player on the night. Josh Hodgson (eight), Semi Valemei (seven) and Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Sam Williams, Corey Harawira-Naera and Emre Guler (all five) were the worst offenders.
“Sitting around watching is not much fun and those sorts of games aren’t much fun either – (I’m) just lost for words really – it’s not good enough.”
Croker said it was hard to pinpoint a major reason for the loss.
“It’s hard to get it (momentum) back at the moment,” he said.
“It’s not enjoyable to be part of (losses) – I doubt it’s enjoyable to watch.”
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said it was a bitterly disappointing loss and that changes would be made to his side following a sixth defeat at home.
“I’m as embarrassed as anybody in regards to these poor people who come out here and brave these conditions and watch us play, and we play like that,” said Stuart.
“I feel very sorry for our loyal supporters, we’re a shadow of ourselves and where we want to be.
“I’ve got to find some energy; the only way to find energy is with new faces.”
AAP
Read more:
