Round 1
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 32 d. Canberra Raiders 6

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Loss of Schifcofske already telling on Raiders
Mon March 19, 2007
The value of Clinton Schifcofske was highlighted in just one match with Manly securing an easy 32-6 victory over the Raiders with five tries coming from kicks.

Manly exploited the loss of Canberra's best player in recent times and the Raiders were inept and came up with nothing in return.

The Raiders have often defied their critics in recent seasons to make the Finals with a roster that has limited talent and Schifcofske leading the way. It's already shaping up after one game as to the value Schifcofske was for Canberra and just what a good footballer he was.

Manly led Canberra 14-0 at half-time scoring three tries through Michael Robertson 15m, Luke Williamson 27m and Jamie Lyon 32m and all through kicks.

Canberra mounted a comeback just after half-time with Marshall Chalk scoring, however, the class of the Sea Eagles shined through despite losing Steve Matai and Steve Menzies early in the match.

Lyon's second try in the 60th minute was again through a kick as the Sea Eagles soared ahead 20-6. Steven Bell crossed in the 67th minute through the only try that wasn't from a kick and Jason King put Manly further ahead when prop forward Jason King pounced on another Orford kick.

The difference in class was obvious and highlighted more when Matai and Menzies went off early, Orford playing on one leg and Glenn Stewart struggling with injury.

It's only one game into the season, but Raiders coach Neil Henry has a tough job ahead of him with no Schifcofske and nothing else to work with.


Dobson named Raiders halfback for opening round
Tue March 13, 2007
Source: www.raiders.com.au

Canberra Raiders halfback Michael Dobson will make his NRL debut on Saturday night, after he was named in the number seven for the season opener against Manly at Brookvale Oval.

Dobson joins fellow young gun William Zillman in the Raiders starting line-up, after the quick footed Zillman was named at fullback for the opening match.

Zillman said he is looking forward to his return to first grade, and is keen to make an impact in his return to the senior side.

"I'm very happy to be in first grade after a long pre-season and we're already excited about this weekend and can't wait.

"I just want to get out there and play my best game and at the moment I think that's running the ball, and getting the ball in my hands."

Zillman said that feeling of being involved is something he is ready for, but also said he is just glad to be in the starting side regardless of his position.

"I want to be around the ball all night and push up in support, and that's the best way to get my hands on the ball and some room to move," he said. "I like the free range you get at fullback but it's also good in the centres running a bit wider, and even the halves have their positives."

Raiders Coach Neil Henry said the doubt surrounding David Howell had led to Zillman's naming at fullback, and said the young backline prospects form in the trials has warranted selection for round one.

"Around the fullback and centre spot with David Howell looking doubtful was the decision that had to be made.

"It gives us a chance to look at William at fullback as he has seemed very comfortable there, and Marshall Chalk has been very good in the centres for us."

Henry said the halves were also a tightly contested selection battle, but he was happy with the way things had panned out.

"Michael Dobson and Todd Carney trialed very well in the halves, and Andrew Dunemann adds some utility of the bench with his ability to play halfback and hooker," he said.

Raiders prop Michael Weyman was ruled out today after aggravating a quad injury at training yesterday, and will now look for a round three return.

CANBERRA RAIDERS v MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA-EAGLES
Brookvale Ova, Saturday 17th March
Kick Off 7.30pm

1 William Zillman
2 Colin Best
3 Phil Graham
4 Marshall Chalk
5 Adrian Purtell
6 Todd Carney
7 Michael Dobson
8 Troy Thompson
9 Lincoln Withers
10 Dane Tilse
11 Glen Turner
12 Matt Bickerstaff
13 Alan Tongue (c)

Subs:
14 Andrew Dunemann
15 Neville Costigan
16 Josh Miller
17 Scott Logan
18 Ben Jones
(one to be omitted)

Injures:
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (knee) Rd 4
Bronx Goodwin (Arm) Rd 4
David Howell (Quad) Rd 2
Michael Weyman (Quad) Rd 3

News source: www.raiders.com.au

Tue November 14, 2006
• 2007 NRL Premiership Fixture List (Full)
  

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