July 24, 2025 • 32 mins
In this special Forever Green edition, we bring together Raiders legends Luke Davico, Ruben Wiki, Jason Croker, Blake Austin, and Garry Belcher to reflect on the club’s rich legacy — and weigh in on the current squad’s chances at making a deep run this season.
Then, we go deeper inside the Raiders’ inner sanctum with Alan Tongue, exploring what’s really happening behind the scenes, what’s driving this team’s resilience, and the mindset that’s setting them apart in 2025.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the Green Machine, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and powerful reflections from some of the game’s greats.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
He's not here for the clickbait all the count side critics.
It's real and full of deep and meaningfuls with the
Raiders in a circle from laughs to hard truth still
tell you ditch the negative noise and get behind the boys.
This is Raider Nick.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
I'll welcome to a very special edition of Raidernick at Night.
Forever Green Camber Raiders Unite. In this episode, we're celebrating
the Mighty Green Machine with an all star lineup of
Raiders Royalty. I caught up with last Sunday at the
Forever Green Event Club Legends Luke de Vico, Ruben Wiki,
Jason Croaker, Blake Austin Badge, Gary Belcher, just to name
(00:43):
a few, and to get their take on the current
squad what's clicking this season.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
They believe this team.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Has what it takes to go all the way this year.
Later in the show, I got deep with great Alan
tun We delve a little further up into the Raiders
camp and where it is right now, packing the energy
around this young group, the mindset and the secret.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Ingredients behind the performances this season.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
You're a Raiders fan, you don't want to miss this one,
or just a League fan in general, let's go get
it statue. First time back in camp for a while.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Got to be back in the capitol, mate.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Always great to be making the capital, catch up with
all the old teammates. And it's actually really nice that
it's three o'clock game for once, it's normal, it's a
night time and to put on some beautiful cameras winter weather.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
So hopefully we get the win.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
May you look a good mate, You could look like
we're still a plane You're still got a plane weight.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
Look looks at his seeding. But yeah, and I still
look after myself. The timement's been treated me pretty well.
You know, still eat well, very well, and you've got
no complaints.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Mate, that's pretty good you must be having with the
car squad mate, second prime, top of the table.
Speaker 5 (01:47):
It's amazing.
Speaker 4 (01:47):
I think they've got a really good balance of youth
and experience. They're playing some great, exciting footing and it's
nice to see those young kids that have been there
the last few years.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
I've really started. We've got that experience.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Just now build on that and it's showing. And you
know they're not top of the table for no reason.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
We can win it with you, can't We hundred Percentwich.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Enjoy yourself, mate, and we hope cheers.
Speaker 5 (02:09):
Mate. I lad of everyone and the incredibly good looking
like Austin.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Good to see you back again.
Speaker 6 (02:15):
Great to be back. I love coming back down here.
The air is fresh, the sky's blue, it's it's a
nice day. Probably the only club I feel much for
these days. Yeah, grew up a parafan, but I can't
bring yourself to bag for them. There still a lot
of good mates in the in the camera team, so yeah,
I love coming back down.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
You're one of the most recent retirees.
Speaker 5 (02:33):
Mates.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
You're looking tip top and fabulous.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
May look like you still been playing, still playing local.
Speaker 6 (02:36):
Footed barely, Yeah a little bit. It's not fun, but yeah,
tipping away. My kids still get to watch you play
a little bit. They bag the crap out of me, mate,
But ye're playing a little bit.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Good to see.
Speaker 5 (02:48):
Good made to yours, Papa.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
I haven't out standing.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Month three nineteen another birth in addition to his family
and then Origin the Origin risky comeback.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
But Jess has been great.
Speaker 6 (02:56):
Isn't he unbelievable? I don't think he truly gets a
credit for the career he's had. It's gotta be awful
to see him playing a different jersey next year. I
think it's as a huge justice, not not just from
the club, but from the from the game as a whole.
I think the game needs to do more for guys
like Josh to stick around longer. The idea of it
being another jersey breaks my heart and I could only
(03:17):
imagine what it does for him. So, man, what a
for the last sort of six eight weeks he's had.
Speaker 5 (03:23):
It's been a fair tale.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
I mentioned what are you for? Past? But what are
you for the green machine? Sitting on top of the table.
What are you making it this year?
Speaker 7 (03:29):
Mate?
Speaker 6 (03:29):
Scary prospect. They're on a roll. Any team that is
playing with that sort of confidence and have that sort
of strike there, they're pretty scary.
Speaker 8 (03:36):
Man.
Speaker 6 (03:36):
They've got a number seven that's spawned the strings that
I think can take them all the way this year.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
We can win it, can't We Absolutely we can.
Speaker 6 (03:42):
Yeah, It's it's just been so enjoyable to watch. I
think they're very similar to some of the really good
teams we've had in you know, in the last ten years,
and probably just a bit younger and a bit fitter
and faster than some of them. Even so, can't wait
to watch me at the back end of the year.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
Great to see you last day, you too, man.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
Brother Trevor Green, what one, five, three? Check?
Speaker 2 (04:05):
The must us to call in rooms. Good to see
back in the capitol, mate, Good to see it, brother, mate.
The boys are fine this year, haggles it for your
money're wearing the jacket, your daughter's playing in a side.
But you must be a great back there in Auckland
watching the boys top of the table at the moment.
Speaker 8 (04:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Well, my time on the.
Speaker 7 (04:20):
Weekend's been taking up by the watching the camerettas instead
of the Warriors. So it's so good to see the
Green Machine performing the way they're performing. In the credit
to Ricky Schewan from speaking figure to the teller.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
But when you come down here, it's always a great day.
And there's something about the Raiders club. Whether you play
one game or two hundred games, it's something about the
brother it's.
Speaker 7 (04:40):
Huge, you know, when like one town team and it's
like all the other clubs in the NRL, the one
town teams, the bond is very close and it's like
THESEUS reunions. I'm not probably the only one that travels
from another country, but it's it's where I learned my
trade and where I've met legends who taught me about
the game.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Did you get past Queen on the way down? Hope
you're going to, But that queen was like with it
are similar Viobe in New Zealand?
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Is that why you were touched the.
Speaker 5 (05:07):
Queen in so much?
Speaker 7 (05:07):
Well it's funny, is well, like you get off the airport,
sleep and oval, that's the original grounds and we were
leaves off as well.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
So you know there's a lot of commissions in the Queen.
Speaker 7 (05:16):
Them, so they just fit the mold and this the
family up.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Now you're that ninety four side, which are one quite convincingly.
You know what, you know what the vibe is gonna
beat winning competition. Are you feeling it this year?
Speaker 5 (05:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (05:29):
Well it looks like, you know, we gave them wanting
to get better and the standards are high and no
doubt Ricky Store will be pushing that.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
The boys make sure to improve every game or it
must enjoy mate all the rest.
Speaker 7 (05:42):
Let's see it, but.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
Minus the mustache those days.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I mean they call badge Gary Belcher. Great to see
mate back in the Capitol.
Speaker 9 (05:50):
Yeah, thanks Nick, It's been a long time mate, since
I've had the mow and a few years since I've
been here. But it's it's great to be back and
on a Raiders reunion date.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Great day putting mate, you know what it's like to
him in the Premiership.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
You want a couple. What are you feeling about this
current squad?
Speaker 5 (06:06):
They're going great?
Speaker 9 (06:07):
Yeah, they're going fantastic. I mean there's a there's a
lot a long way to go. I get the excitement
from the fans and they deserve everything. We all deserve
to have these great moments. But they're going really well.
In the regular compident, you would have heard it. Once
you're in the finals, it's different, you know, all it
(06:28):
all changes as a big reset. But I'm quite confident
the way they're playing that on their day they could
they could beat anyone.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Kier Weeks the fullback, mate, We've had a few fullbacks,
including yourself.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
Hagward's Ka's killing it.
Speaker 9 (06:41):
Yeah, he's outstanding. Yeah, he's loving what he's doing. He's
and he's super confident. The kid and he's got you know,
but he's got those that speed and other skills and
assets that he's got that you can't coach. So I
love the way he plays, and yeah, he's been fantastic
for the side of it. It's got him out of
a few tight squats, that's for sure.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
All right, BET's good to say all the best.
Speaker 5 (07:01):
What do you.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Camp rider once two for Tot's senior to beast favorite
Green afternoons are always so much fun, aren't they.
Speaker 10 (07:10):
Yeah, but it's such a good event and yeah, yeah,
it's good to get everyone back together. And there's a
few people here and obviously I pe people can't make it,
but it's always it's always a good day.
Speaker 7 (07:21):
Now you must be.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Flying because of the boys on top of the table.
You must be just sitting back and enjoying it all.
Speaker 10 (07:27):
Well, we go from you know, so we ride the
highs and the lows, and we're on the high at
the moment. So and obviously it's a lot of hard
work goes in and they're going good and and hopefully.
Speaker 5 (07:37):
They can continue to do that.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
I think we can win it.
Speaker 10 (07:41):
There's a long way. There's a long way to guys,
So yeah, mate, of course that came.
Speaker 5 (07:46):
There's like I said, there's a long way to go.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Also to you as the most motional monthy sort Papa
Do's thing that must be a great feeling for yourself.
Speaker 5 (07:53):
Yeah, mine does.
Speaker 10 (07:55):
Yeah, that's a bit of a weird week for me,
but ah yeah, but it's made as all all. Yeah,
it's so good to see him get it and square
the two tries and kick the goal. And obviously I
didn't want to see him to play originally because youth
I's got beaten, but Maddy's. It was a good week
for me and made you could happen to go a
better person.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Now it'll be a great night tonight. Something tells me
to be quiet because there's no males and their head road.
Speaker 10 (08:17):
Well I had them last weekend, so once years enough
all right, so it's enjoying mate, Thank you.
Speaker 5 (08:23):
Thanks.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Well, he's a man that's still involved with the club.
He's being involved with the NRL at large, and he
was there outside his ABC duties as a commentator, as
a fellow commentator, but he was down on ground, a
big smile on his face, and the most important thing
he was in the changing rooms having to drink with
the with the old boys and the new boys and
the current boys as well.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Tonguey hello to you mate.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
Yeah good Nick.
Speaker 8 (08:47):
It was It was a really yeah, really great weekend
honoring the past, but also you know, finally getting the
win in the end. But it was a great, great
weekend to be a part of. The Forever Green rounds
are always really great and you know, really important games
for the club as well. Rick has been a really
big driver of understanding the history and the past and
you know, they're just great weekends to be a part of.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
It's great because there was a certain lack there for
a while, not a lack there, but just knowing and
what we've done before, and their clubs done some huge
things and so dominant when it comes to say.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
Coaches in the modern era, Yeah, how does it feel
for yourself?
Speaker 2 (09:23):
And I won't mention too many names, but there's players
that I speak to who have played at multiple clubs.
They go back to their you know, the old boys
celebration events and they say, no one does it like Canberra.
Speaker 8 (09:37):
Yeah, yeah, no, there is something really special about it
and it chops and changes each year. But I know
that the club really tried to get a game where
it was on a Saturday so they could actually spend.
Speaker 5 (09:49):
Some time with the current group of players, and I
think that that is something that's really special.
Speaker 8 (09:54):
It is it's about trying to make that space where
the current players can go back up and have some
time with those that have been before them.
Speaker 5 (10:03):
And I think that that is really nice.
Speaker 8 (10:05):
And upstairs, you know, Ricky spoke really well, Benny Public
did a great job there to be able.
Speaker 5 (10:10):
To tie everything together. But it's just really nice just
to see the players tonight.
Speaker 8 (10:17):
Just we're feeling comfortable and walking around and saying gooday
to those that played in too, you know, and send
and by side them and just having a beer or
just you know, just sitting there and just chatting.
Speaker 5 (10:29):
Like I think that's a really you know, special part
of it.
Speaker 8 (10:32):
As much as all the you know, the game different things,
being able to sit and connect and talk when it's
all died down is something that, you know, I think
is really important to our group.
Speaker 5 (10:43):
But I enjoy doing.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Personally, and I love it how each player kind of
chooses a past player to kind of get around and
act as their big brother.
Speaker 3 (10:52):
And it's kind of cool.
Speaker 5 (10:53):
You know.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
We we have young kids at school, and you know,
when you start kindergarten, I have the kind of the
six which is gospid is the and it's great that
we have our current group have buddies that are soldiers
that have been before us and a lot of them
have had some great success, which is really really really
convenient now Tongue, we're sitting on top of the table
and have those conversations with those with those guys.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
And a great example was Owen Patty.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
I've got to chat to Paddy post match for the
radio there and during the week the club with out
a video and when he said he chose Steve Walters
as his buddy if you will, and he mentioned to me,
knowing that he was in the crowd watching today he
wanted to go up agin for Steve for box ahead.
Speaker 8 (11:35):
Yeah, it's fantastic and it's a credit to the club
and Tarica as well, because does it actually you know,
makes that current player you know, to understand more about
you know, that barber who's come before them and looking
at the style of play and what them in their
position and being able.
Speaker 5 (11:54):
To do that.
Speaker 8 (11:55):
It just gets them deeper connection to the club, which
I think is really important. And it's you know, like
at the end of the day, like footy, yes, it's
about playing for your teammates that are besides you, but
sides that do well and I think we're building certainly
towards that. There's a greater purpose and vision as well.
Beyond just your team on the field.
Speaker 5 (12:15):
It's about the people that support you in the crowd
and the community. It's about those that have come before you.
It's about your.
Speaker 8 (12:21):
Family, you know, really trying to bring all that emotion
and energy into the way that you go about your
business and you represent the club. So I think there's some, yeah,
some really important things that can come out of this weekend.
It is only one game and one weekend for the
players to connect, but I think there's some really deep
things that filter right throughout the whole season.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
Well, that was quite adorable of what Patty said, David.
What was adorable was the week before had Josh proper
Lee on a big Papa on here and he mentioned
towards the end there that we represent Canberra before we
represent the Raid as it comes first on the emblem
and it's the community. And then specifically on game day
you have the old, the young, the ones on a
(13:04):
walking chair, on the ones in a wheelchair, the ones
in a prim hecause.
Speaker 3 (13:08):
That's who he that's who he plays for.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
That's where he gets his extra inspiration for and it
seems to be a collective this year that the boys
have really tapped into the town. Ricky's big on tapping
into the community to be a Raider, what it means
to be a rated, to be a cam beeron, but
this year more so, Tonguy.
Speaker 5 (13:25):
Yeah, and I think, yeah, I think you're right there too.
Speaker 8 (13:29):
And I think the love that the community is giving
the Raiders now it's not lost on the plane group,
which is important, and so they acknowledge that they want
to give back to that, and it's been really spoken about,
you know, how do we want to be perceived in
the public eye, and so really making sure that they
(13:51):
do that.
Speaker 5 (13:52):
On the players, they just talk about how good the
crowd is and the energy that's about there.
Speaker 8 (13:58):
And still the goose bumps are running out to a
Viking clap, even those that have done it many many
times over.
Speaker 5 (14:04):
So there's some really yeah, there's a lot of things
that are coming together.
Speaker 8 (14:08):
But I know that the players are certainly appreciating the
support from the community and.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
It's a wave.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
I'm hearing a lot of people that last week in
that twenty thousand and you know, due respect disrespect to Paramata,
we usually get the twenty thousand, when it's like a
you know, a top three battle. You know, we're playing
someone in the eight, you know, as it was with
the Bulldogs, but we're playing Paramatta. You know, we heart
having the best season. They're traveling towards and say the
bottom four of the table. But the fact that we
(14:35):
packed it out, you know, for a team that's you know,
in the bottom four currently, that was huge. And there's
each week I'm getting new people saying, oh, I'm going
to the Raiders for the first time, and then I'll
now and check back in and say how'd you go?
And they're like amazing, Like love love the Viking Cloup,
love the atmosphere, love the game day, and the team
at the end, especially when at the end there when
(14:56):
it's it was a bit of an arm wrestle, and
then for the Green Machine to just on unrail and
put on three or four tries was the last fifteen
minutes to really get someone to cheer about. So you
walk away with a great taste, you know. Yeah, it's
becoming a great entertainment package for us local Canberrans.
Speaker 5 (15:12):
Yeah, yeah, you know, you're absolutely right.
Speaker 8 (15:14):
I think in this this time slot, like the middle
of winter school holidays where a lot of families get away.
Speaker 5 (15:21):
To have a little retreat and get away from the
cold weather. It can be typically hard to get good crowds.
And I was just playing away coming to the ground.
Speaker 8 (15:29):
I was ringing, you know, Timmy Gable because I was saying,
I'm going to be late, mate. There's just so there's
cars lined up everywhere.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Careful done that many times I'm doing I'm doing my
intro with the tower made jacked up on the cheek.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
There is still that's right.
Speaker 5 (15:44):
I just was like, this is unbelievable. And I was
still there early and it was just great.
Speaker 8 (15:49):
So I got there a little bit late for the
women's start of the women's game, but yeah, it was
just it was fantastic that the sea. And I think
I actually think too from a fan's point of view,
is that like, well, wouldn't you want to come and
watch them? They play a really entertaining style.
Speaker 5 (16:05):
It's they play tough yep.
Speaker 8 (16:07):
Absolutely, they've got they've got some real toughness to them,
but they're not afraid to back themselves. And they've got
speed out wide, and they've got some real entertainers and
so they've got a really nice little mix there at
the moment, and I think it's entertaining, and you know
as much as PARAMOUNTA.
Speaker 5 (16:23):
Yes, they are down on the bottom of the table.
Speaker 8 (16:26):
They were coming just to throw everything at us, and
so they came with a real attacking mindset. So it
was unbelievable that first half was just going from one
end of the killed, one side of the field to
the other, just it was.
Speaker 5 (16:38):
It was absolutely breakneck speed. And then the Raiders got
in their groove.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
And exactly their Paramountic side. You know, they've got origin
players and they're like Lomacs and blokes who have been
there before.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
So what are you seeing there telling?
Speaker 2 (16:49):
You know, ask a lot of the boys their opinions
and what's different to say last year and in previous years,
and what's changed, And a lot of the common responses
I'm getting is we seem to be more patient, less frantic.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
We're confident.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
If we fall behind by a couple of tries, there
is no anxiety at all, there's no scoreboard pressure. We
just we just have confidence that we can get back
in there. What are you seeing from Afar? You work
with them closely a couple of days a week. You
obviously you watch them every week with your commentary. What
are you seeing?
Speaker 3 (17:18):
What do you feel? What's allent seeing and feeling?
Speaker 8 (17:21):
Yeah, I suppose there's a couple of words that come
to mind. Is one, is there prepared? I think when
it's if you look at results and how things have
gone now, but it's been a part of a process
and even last year and you needed to go through
last year that there was certainly some really good signs
(17:42):
there last year and then there was well, here we
are we faded out in the second half. All we're
falling away, But there was certainly some really great points
last year.
Speaker 5 (17:52):
We were really really.
Speaker 8 (17:53):
Well prepared from day one of pre season. Everybody bought
in and it was been tough. They went away on
a really great sort of camp as well together that
really took them out of their comfort zone as a group,
which was really really important for us. And so they've
been really prepared well physically, and I think is one thing.
(18:15):
You can see that they're fit and they're bought into
everything there.
Speaker 5 (18:18):
So that's one thing. I think. The other thing is
there's great.
Speaker 8 (18:22):
Clarity and confidence within the coaching staff. When I sit
in the team meetings and I hear the coaches talk
about the style of play that we want to play
with the players really buy in and they understand it.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
They know their roles. They try and simplified as best
they can, but there's really nice, clear.
Speaker 8 (18:42):
Clarity to the way that they want to play and
they want to take away, you know, the different strengths
of opposition. So that is that is another thing which
is really important. And then I suppose the third word
that sort of jumps into my mind at the moment.
It's been a part of this whole growth mindset that
the club has had over a period of time. As
(19:02):
they look back and you know, three or four years ago,
they talked about buying these young guys and they needed
to educate them, be with them for the long haul,
and they knew that growth was going to come.
Speaker 5 (19:15):
They just needed to be patient.
Speaker 8 (19:17):
Get the right people around them, support them, encourage them.
And I can just see that confidence coming through now
in that you know, just sticking with their growth, their
trajectory that they wanted, you know a number of years ago.
Speaker 5 (19:30):
So it's great vision by the club.
Speaker 8 (19:31):
But it's all been part of a plan this well,
you know, this season is no fluke and people go.
Everybody's beating expectations of everybody. Well, I think probably even
from those inside the four Walls, they were probably thinking,
you know, this still might.
Speaker 5 (19:47):
Have been a year or two away. It's just been
a part of a plan that has gotten to this
point in time.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
And that was the same as a great mate, the
Great Lazarus the Brick. He came out the press and
the camera times. We had a big story about it
where he said the camp Brads win a company the
next couple of years because of that, exactly what you said,
And like you said, this is all by design, not
a fluke. Maybe yeah, probably a little bit premature and
where we'd be, but you mentioned growth, mindset, tonguey, and
(20:16):
we haven't really hit our straps just yet as well,
which is the most exciting part too. And I've got
this feeling that when we when we've got the manlies
of the world and we've got the Panthers of the
world and have the Dolphins of the world, those big
tough games, even though the Knights and the Dragons that
they're going to be up there because they've really starting
to upset some teams, So it's not going to be
a really soft run home. It's going to be a
nice obstacle course to go through. But the growth mindset
(20:38):
is so pleasing with this group, the fact that they're
all going to grow together, and I just can't imagine
what they will do to a group when you're all
growing going for the grades together. I mentioned school at
the start of the show. It's kind of like a
you're all going to school together and growing and evolving
together as a team.
Speaker 11 (20:55):
Yeah, yeah, I know, you're absolutely right, and I think about,
you know, the back end of this, and a lot
of people have mentioned, you know, it is an easier
run into the finals because of where the team sit
on the competition, But I certainly don't have that mindset whatsoever.
Speaker 5 (21:11):
I know from a.
Speaker 8 (21:12):
Player being in both positions, one where you guarantee to
get into the finals and one where you're on.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
The edge of the finals.
Speaker 8 (21:19):
You know, we're playing up against teams like the Paramatters,
the Newcastle, the Dragons.
Speaker 5 (21:23):
And the Seagles where they're desperate and.
Speaker 8 (21:26):
They've basically got nothing to lose their game to do
the unexpected.
Speaker 5 (21:30):
You could see on the weekend against Paramata and Adolf
loads out the back and they're kicking early. The you know,
all of these different things that aren't usually in the rhythm.
Speaker 8 (21:40):
Of a you know, a top four game that you
would see this is what's going to happen, and so
it's going to be just as tricky as playing against
those those top tiers teams.
Speaker 5 (21:50):
So it's going to be really important. You know. Once
again we talked about their both mindset is I think
the weekend's.
Speaker 8 (21:58):
Game, yes, away with a really great win in the end,
but it can be one of our most important wins
because they almost lost a little bit of the DNA
that they had played with and got them to this
point all year, and it became a little bit too
This site was throwing the ball around, and they started
throwing the ball around, got some joy early and maybe
(22:19):
thinking that's going to continue to just flow like that
big crowd, beautiful afternoon slip surface.
Speaker 5 (22:25):
Bang bang bang. It wasn't going their way. They had
to wait till halftime and get an absolute bathroom ricky.
Speaker 8 (22:31):
Then they went right, let's go back to the way
that we play as the Canberraiders. And so they need
to grow as a group and go they don't need
they can't wait till half time and get that from
the coach, they need to recognize that in the middle
of the game, where momentums changing in the first half,
whenever that might be and go right, let's go back
to the way.
Speaker 5 (22:51):
That we play our footing.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
And that showed so much character amongst the group. But
you know, it's so exciting, Tonguey.
Speaker 2 (22:59):
We're sitting in the top at the table and we've
had a great year so far, and a lot of
the players will say that too. And the great thing
about that is when I talk to some of the boys,
I get a little bit yeahoob and said, look.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
Where we are.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
Boys like, Okay, we've done well for this part of
the enn. You can say that, but can you mean
that They actually mean that? And what's so pleasing about this,
and you mentioned the word growth mindset is we are
still a work in progress. And you see Ricky and
the press are saying we are still a work in progress.
There's still work to do with these young blokes, you
know what I mean. And he can't sit there and
(23:30):
cash in these winds and cashing on the waves and
the highers, and Ricky is doing a really important role.
Speaker 3 (23:34):
I think this is his best year.
Speaker 2 (23:35):
If he doesn't win Cage of the Year, and I'm
not sure who will the fact that he's still his
flat where fleet. We are flying high on the outside,
but what the work he's doing on the inside, and
he's still continuing to be a work in progress. And
that's what's so pleasing that we are a work in progress.
Speaker 5 (23:51):
Yeah, yeah, you know, you're absolutely right. And I think
one of.
Speaker 8 (23:56):
For me in the leadership and culture position, one of
the things that I I probably worry about a little
bit is, you know, players.
Speaker 5 (24:03):
Getting too far ahead of themselves.
Speaker 8 (24:05):
And you know, it's certainly something that I hated, you know,
in my teammates or even trying to keep myself in
check and different things like that, but people getting ahead
of themselves and really understanding and appreciating.
Speaker 5 (24:16):
This humility which is such an important part of our club.
And you know, we've done a couple of little workshops
on it as a.
Speaker 8 (24:23):
Group, but I just can't see it in the group
at the moment. Everywhere I try and look for it,
I'm actually trying so I can stimp that out, but
it just doesn't seem to be a part of these
guys and what they're about there. They're still really hungry,
They want to get better, which is really exciting.
Speaker 5 (24:38):
I know some you know there's going to be some
twists and turns before the end of this season, but
they're committed and that's a that's a really good.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
Spot to be funny thing is telling you.
Speaker 2 (24:48):
We always say there'll be some twist and turns and
maybe this could be the week we have the loss,
but they just keep winning.
Speaker 5 (24:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
And I mentioned to the guys as well, like I
actually I look at them in the old staying all
true respect. You're surprising us as well with think in
the ca it might end here, you know, it's just sport,
you know, But the boys just keep showing up and
keep winning and that's just all we can ask. And
the fact that they're working progress progress is so exciting
as well. And just quickly telling you we speak about
(25:14):
this growth mindset now we've been asked to be involved
in this wonderful movement to come in coming out of
the Gold Coast with the camera base called five eighths,
which is about growth mindset, but also being conscious the
conscious man, and there's other options, there's other ways to
go about your world. And that's also two. When things
get a little bit tricky, you can. There's ways you
(25:34):
can grab a shovel and dig yourself out of a hole.
We were invited to do a photo shoot because they're
doing a brand of a wonderful cut T shirts the
Great Grands of Seaford over I'll tell you what water
for a changing room Again, I just wanted to run
out and have a hit up.
Speaker 8 (25:49):
Mate.
Speaker 5 (25:51):
That's great. You're absolutely right, and it's so good to
be a part of, you know, movements like this. Yes, well,
first and foremost I said, cracking gear like you the
shirts and everything like that there, it's really really good
good gear, but the actual you know, the message and
the meeting behind it, you know, is even better. And
I think you know, we've talked about it as part
(26:13):
of our group and the sporting analogies that they have
so many crossovers there. But it's really important. There's going
to be some tough times, there's going to.
Speaker 8 (26:20):
Be some twists and turns, but you know, I getting
a really good team around you and supporting you through
that and understand the bigger picture to it all, and
I'm just taking one thing at a time. It's amazing
how those same messages are so applicable in a rugby
league team and.
Speaker 5 (26:35):
It is in our own lives. So it's just really
great to be able to do that alongside ja mate.
Speaker 2 (26:40):
But also too, I mean without embarrassing ent taking. I
love your quote of with each step back it's an
opportunity for a comeback. And I think the moment we're
working on a project together with the NRL Welfare Space,
and when you mentioned that, that always stuck to mind
of how powerful that is. You know, that's that can
(27:01):
be that can be enough to get someone out of
bed in the morning, you know, yeah.
Speaker 8 (27:05):
I mean it's only these little daglines or messages that
you just you know, in our work that we do
with the NRL State of Mind and the different programs
that we deliver, you know, just those little cues because
sometimes you can you can be in a little rut
and you just why me, and but that hindsight, it's
a wonderful thing, as we know. But whether it's a
(27:25):
mate that's just got a little encourage encouragement to you,
or you know, somebody that you can just reach it
out to and have a bit of a yarn, just
that chance to stop and breathe and take a moment
just to understand where you are at that moment, and
you know things.
Speaker 5 (27:40):
Will get better.
Speaker 8 (27:41):
It's just, yeah, it's all little ways that we can
do to trigger to make sure we look after each
other and look after our own health and well being.
Speaker 3 (27:50):
And it's just a wonderful thing and I love it.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
How as a society now the stigma in some areas
is getting intense, but in some areas it's getting live.
Speaker 3 (28:00):
And I love the fact that in this space as well.
Speaker 2 (28:03):
You know, for men's mental health and men's will I
like to say men's well being because life is all
about ups and downs, and you get pressures and triggers
and things that always come up because that's just the
way life's designed. You've got to have those you've got
to have those little challenges that come come forward. It's
never like a straight line. And you know, in a
weirdest sense, I always believe that things happen for a
reason and you need those challenges to grow and to change.
Speaker 3 (28:25):
So let's not get stuck there. Let's not get stuck there.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
There's ways around, and the fact that we're now reaching
for those tools that are available, whatever they are for anyone.
But it's great that five eights who's your five eight,
you know, that's the slogan, who's the guy that you
have around and to bring that awareness and talking to
some of the old boys too in the sheds post game,
he's big dang Tills and statue to Vico and these
(28:49):
guys and the Picker brothers, a lot of the boys,
especially Tills, a lot of the boys for some reason
telling you they always go back to youth work after
they finish football. On the correlation to go back and
help and having those rugby league connotations that work not
just on the football field or the sporting field, but
to life, because I know that you really really really
embrace and embody what you've learned on the field into
(29:11):
your successful career now. But it's great to see the
boys just get back into the trenches there to make
a difference of what they've learned.
Speaker 5 (29:18):
You know.
Speaker 8 (29:19):
Yeah, that's right, And that's going back right to the
start of our conversation around the Forever Green and you know,
it is actually a really important weekend for the club.
Speaker 5 (29:29):
The understanding, the history, everything like that, but it's actually
looking after the past players and they're well being too.
Speaker 8 (29:36):
Sometimes as players you feel that in the game it
gets it's only for a short period of life, but
it's in the prime of your life, like in those
early twenties, and if you're lucky, you know you might
play in your thirties early thirties, but then it's taken
away from you pretty quick and you've got to you
to redesign yourself. You've got to rebuild yourself, you've got
to start again, you've got to go to a whole
(29:58):
different world. And sometimes that and be really really difficult,
And so these weekends are really important to get connected
back and understanding of those those times that you had
some good some some might have been a little bit tougher,
but connecting back with your mates and looking after each
other and are really really important weekends, I believe too
(30:19):
for the well being of our past players.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
Some players tell their whole year is both around that
one day coming back to Canberra and being involved, and
that's just that's adorable. Again, I've said that a few times.
It's just for a guy to come down, whether he's
played one game or three hundred and one games. And
also too, I mentioned this on the Triple Ms on
the weekend about how the Raiders, and I mentioned how
(30:43):
the Canberra do it the best, but they are also welcoming.
Whether you played one game off the bench you know,
back in two thousand and nine under Maddy Elliott, or
you played three hundred one games under Ricky Stewart, you're
welcomed with a smile and open arms and there's a
beer in front of it, and they'll be always be
someone that you can just kind of bounce with on
those events.
Speaker 8 (31:03):
You know. Yeah, no, you're absolutely right, and it's just
it's wonderful and more and more clubs, like you mentioned,
I think.
Speaker 5 (31:10):
The Raiders do it really well, but you know, there's
more and more clubs, you know, really you know buying
into this, which is great across the game, and it'll
be great.
Speaker 8 (31:17):
It won't be too long down the track and we'll
be having past players in our women's game as well
the NRLW, so it'll continue to grow this speech space, which.
Speaker 5 (31:28):
Is which is really exciting. So it was a great
weekend to be a part of important that we had
a good win. But now we move on to next week.
Speaker 2 (31:37):
We move on to next week the Newcastle Knights game
on Sunday two o'clock, another beautiful after lunch fixture as
the camera whether starting to get a little bit more
Mother nature is putting on some better days.
Speaker 3 (31:49):
It's not as cold.
Speaker 5 (31:50):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 8 (31:51):
I think it'll be a fast track again, although a
little bit of rain preticted earlier on Saturday, I think.
Speaker 5 (31:57):
But the Newcastle and night Say coming in and they'll
throw ball around speed on their edges. So it's going
to be a good challenge again.
Speaker 2 (32:03):
And I get some old mates as well playing and
a coach who's a good coach who's probably desperate.
Speaker 3 (32:08):
As well to turn things around.
Speaker 2 (32:09):
So it's a desperate organization and we're going to be
ready all right, telling you great the chat. As always,
we look forward to seeing five eight the ither looks
and forward to seeing.
Speaker 3 (32:16):
This photo shoot too of how we've pulled up.
Speaker 2 (32:18):
And I'm sure you're great mate, you're looking tipped off
the fabulous you used to run out and play eighty
minutes with that body mate empoise.
Speaker 5 (32:24):
I don't think so, but it was great to be
a part of mate, Thanks as always for your chat
and you love with the green machine, but also important
about the well being talked there to mate.
Speaker 2 (32:32):
Thank you absolutely mate and love having you on always
made and every club needs an alentyn and it may
as well be you.
Speaker 5 (32:41):
Thanks mate,
He's not here for the clickbait all the count side critics.
It's real and full of deep and meaningfuls with the
Raiders in a circle from laughs to hard truth still
tell you ditch the negative noise and get behind the boys.
This is Raider Nick.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
I'll welcome to a very special edition of Raidernick at Night.
Forever Green Camber Raiders Unite. In this episode, we're celebrating
the Mighty Green Machine with an all star lineup of
Raiders Royalty. I caught up with last Sunday at the
Forever Green Event Club Legends Luke de Vico, Ruben Wiki,
Jason Croaker, Blake Austin Badge, Gary Belcher, just to name
(00:43):
a few, and to get their take on the current
squad what's clicking this season.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
They believe this team.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Has what it takes to go all the way this year.
Later in the show, I got deep with great Alan
tun We delve a little further up into the Raiders
camp and where it is right now, packing the energy
around this young group, the mindset and the secret.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Ingredients behind the performances this season.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
You're a Raiders fan, you don't want to miss this one,
or just a League fan in general, let's go get
it statue. First time back in camp for a while.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Got to be back in the capitol, mate.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Always great to be making the capital, catch up with
all the old teammates. And it's actually really nice that
it's three o'clock game for once, it's normal, it's a
night time and to put on some beautiful cameras winter weather.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
So hopefully we get the win.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
May you look a good mate, You could look like
we're still a plane You're still got a plane weight.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
Look looks at his seeding. But yeah, and I still
look after myself. The timement's been treated me pretty well.
You know, still eat well, very well, and you've got
no complaints.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Mate, that's pretty good you must be having with the
car squad mate, second prime, top of the table.
Speaker 5 (01:47):
It's amazing.
Speaker 4 (01:47):
I think they've got a really good balance of youth
and experience. They're playing some great, exciting footing and it's
nice to see those young kids that have been there
the last few years.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
I've really started. We've got that experience.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Just now build on that and it's showing. And you
know they're not top of the table for no reason.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
We can win it with you, can't We hundred Percentwich.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Enjoy yourself, mate, and we hope cheers.
Speaker 5 (02:09):
Mate. I lad of everyone and the incredibly good looking
like Austin.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Good to see you back again.
Speaker 6 (02:15):
Great to be back. I love coming back down here.
The air is fresh, the sky's blue, it's it's a
nice day. Probably the only club I feel much for
these days. Yeah, grew up a parafan, but I can't
bring yourself to bag for them. There still a lot
of good mates in the in the camera team, so yeah,
I love coming back down.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
You're one of the most recent retirees.
Speaker 5 (02:33):
Mates.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
You're looking tip top and fabulous.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
May look like you still been playing, still playing local.
Speaker 6 (02:36):
Footed barely, Yeah a little bit. It's not fun, but yeah,
tipping away. My kids still get to watch you play
a little bit. They bag the crap out of me, mate,
But ye're playing a little bit.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Good to see.
Speaker 5 (02:48):
Good made to yours, Papa.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
I haven't out standing.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Month three nineteen another birth in addition to his family
and then Origin the Origin risky comeback.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
But Jess has been great.
Speaker 6 (02:56):
Isn't he unbelievable? I don't think he truly gets a
credit for the career he's had. It's gotta be awful
to see him playing a different jersey next year. I
think it's as a huge justice, not not just from
the club, but from the from the game as a whole.
I think the game needs to do more for guys
like Josh to stick around longer. The idea of it
being another jersey breaks my heart and I could only
(03:17):
imagine what it does for him. So, man, what a
for the last sort of six eight weeks he's had.
Speaker 5 (03:23):
It's been a fair tale.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
I mentioned what are you for? Past? But what are
you for the green machine? Sitting on top of the table.
What are you making it this year?
Speaker 7 (03:29):
Mate?
Speaker 6 (03:29):
Scary prospect. They're on a roll. Any team that is
playing with that sort of confidence and have that sort
of strike there, they're pretty scary.
Speaker 8 (03:36):
Man.
Speaker 6 (03:36):
They've got a number seven that's spawned the strings that
I think can take them all the way this year.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
We can win it, can't We Absolutely we can.
Speaker 6 (03:42):
Yeah, It's it's just been so enjoyable to watch. I
think they're very similar to some of the really good
teams we've had in you know, in the last ten years,
and probably just a bit younger and a bit fitter
and faster than some of them. Even so, can't wait
to watch me at the back end of the year.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
Great to see you last day, you too, man.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
Brother Trevor Green, what one, five, three? Check?
Speaker 2 (04:05):
The must us to call in rooms. Good to see
back in the capitol, mate, Good to see it, brother, mate.
The boys are fine this year, haggles it for your
money're wearing the jacket, your daughter's playing in a side.
But you must be a great back there in Auckland
watching the boys top of the table at the moment.
Speaker 8 (04:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Well, my time on the.
Speaker 7 (04:20):
Weekend's been taking up by the watching the camerettas instead
of the Warriors. So it's so good to see the
Green Machine performing the way they're performing. In the credit
to Ricky Schewan from speaking figure to the teller.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
But when you come down here, it's always a great day.
And there's something about the Raiders club. Whether you play
one game or two hundred games, it's something about the
brother it's.
Speaker 7 (04:40):
Huge, you know, when like one town team and it's
like all the other clubs in the NRL, the one
town teams, the bond is very close and it's like
THESEUS reunions. I'm not probably the only one that travels
from another country, but it's it's where I learned my
trade and where I've met legends who taught me about
the game.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Did you get past Queen on the way down? Hope
you're going to, But that queen was like with it
are similar Viobe in New Zealand?
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Is that why you were touched the.
Speaker 5 (05:07):
Queen in so much?
Speaker 7 (05:07):
Well it's funny, is well, like you get off the airport,
sleep and oval, that's the original grounds and we were
leaves off as well.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
So you know there's a lot of commissions in the Queen.
Speaker 7 (05:16):
Them, so they just fit the mold and this the
family up.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Now you're that ninety four side, which are one quite convincingly.
You know what, you know what the vibe is gonna
beat winning competition. Are you feeling it this year?
Speaker 5 (05:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (05:29):
Well it looks like, you know, we gave them wanting
to get better and the standards are high and no
doubt Ricky Store will be pushing that.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
The boys make sure to improve every game or it
must enjoy mate all the rest.
Speaker 7 (05:42):
Let's see it, but.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
Minus the mustache those days.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I mean they call badge Gary Belcher. Great to see
mate back in the Capitol.
Speaker 9 (05:50):
Yeah, thanks Nick, It's been a long time mate, since
I've had the mow and a few years since I've
been here. But it's it's great to be back and
on a Raiders reunion date.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Great day putting mate, you know what it's like to
him in the Premiership.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
You want a couple. What are you feeling about this
current squad?
Speaker 5 (06:06):
They're going great?
Speaker 9 (06:07):
Yeah, they're going fantastic. I mean there's a there's a
lot a long way to go. I get the excitement
from the fans and they deserve everything. We all deserve
to have these great moments. But they're going really well.
In the regular compident, you would have heard it. Once
you're in the finals, it's different, you know, all it
(06:28):
all changes as a big reset. But I'm quite confident
the way they're playing that on their day they could
they could beat anyone.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Kier Weeks the fullback, mate, We've had a few fullbacks,
including yourself.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
Hagward's Ka's killing it.
Speaker 9 (06:41):
Yeah, he's outstanding. Yeah, he's loving what he's doing. He's
and he's super confident. The kid and he's got you know,
but he's got those that speed and other skills and
assets that he's got that you can't coach. So I
love the way he plays, and yeah, he's been fantastic
for the side of it. It's got him out of
a few tight squats, that's for sure.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
All right, BET's good to say all the best.
Speaker 5 (07:01):
What do you.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Camp rider once two for Tot's senior to beast favorite
Green afternoons are always so much fun, aren't they.
Speaker 10 (07:10):
Yeah, but it's such a good event and yeah, yeah,
it's good to get everyone back together. And there's a
few people here and obviously I pe people can't make it,
but it's always it's always a good day.
Speaker 7 (07:21):
Now you must be.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Flying because of the boys on top of the table.
You must be just sitting back and enjoying it all.
Speaker 10 (07:27):
Well, we go from you know, so we ride the
highs and the lows, and we're on the high at
the moment. So and obviously it's a lot of hard
work goes in and they're going good and and hopefully.
Speaker 5 (07:37):
They can continue to do that.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
I think we can win it.
Speaker 10 (07:41):
There's a long way. There's a long way to guys,
So yeah, mate, of course that came.
Speaker 5 (07:46):
There's like I said, there's a long way to go.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Also to you as the most motional monthy sort Papa
Do's thing that must be a great feeling for yourself.
Speaker 5 (07:53):
Yeah, mine does.
Speaker 10 (07:55):
Yeah, that's a bit of a weird week for me,
but ah yeah, but it's made as all all. Yeah,
it's so good to see him get it and square
the two tries and kick the goal. And obviously I
didn't want to see him to play originally because youth
I's got beaten, but Maddy's. It was a good week
for me and made you could happen to go a
better person.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Now it'll be a great night tonight. Something tells me
to be quiet because there's no males and their head road.
Speaker 10 (08:17):
Well I had them last weekend, so once years enough
all right, so it's enjoying mate, Thank you.
Speaker 5 (08:23):
Thanks.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Well, he's a man that's still involved with the club.
He's being involved with the NRL at large, and he
was there outside his ABC duties as a commentator, as
a fellow commentator, but he was down on ground, a
big smile on his face, and the most important thing
he was in the changing rooms having to drink with
the with the old boys and the new boys and
the current boys as well.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Tonguey hello to you mate.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
Yeah good Nick.
Speaker 8 (08:47):
It was It was a really yeah, really great weekend
honoring the past, but also you know, finally getting the
win in the end. But it was a great, great
weekend to be a part of. The Forever Green rounds
are always really great and you know, really important games
for the club as well. Rick has been a really
big driver of understanding the history and the past and
you know, they're just great weekends to be a part of.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
It's great because there was a certain lack there for
a while, not a lack there, but just knowing and
what we've done before, and their clubs done some huge
things and so dominant when it comes to say.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
Coaches in the modern era, Yeah, how does it feel
for yourself?
Speaker 2 (09:23):
And I won't mention too many names, but there's players
that I speak to who have played at multiple clubs.
They go back to their you know, the old boys
celebration events and they say, no one does it like Canberra.
Speaker 8 (09:37):
Yeah, yeah, no, there is something really special about it
and it chops and changes each year. But I know
that the club really tried to get a game where
it was on a Saturday so they could actually spend.
Speaker 5 (09:49):
Some time with the current group of players, and I
think that that is something that's really special.
Speaker 8 (09:54):
It is it's about trying to make that space where
the current players can go back up and have some
time with those that have been before them.
Speaker 5 (10:03):
And I think that that is really nice.
Speaker 8 (10:05):
And upstairs, you know, Ricky spoke really well, Benny Public
did a great job there to be able.
Speaker 5 (10:10):
To tie everything together. But it's just really nice just
to see the players tonight.
Speaker 8 (10:17):
Just we're feeling comfortable and walking around and saying gooday
to those that played in too, you know, and send
and by side them and just having a beer or
just you know, just sitting there and just chatting.
Speaker 5 (10:29):
Like I think that's a really you know, special part
of it.
Speaker 8 (10:32):
As much as all the you know, the game different things,
being able to sit and connect and talk when it's
all died down is something that, you know, I think
is really important to our group.
Speaker 5 (10:43):
But I enjoy doing.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Personally, and I love it how each player kind of
chooses a past player to kind of get around and
act as their big brother.
Speaker 3 (10:52):
And it's kind of cool.
Speaker 5 (10:53):
You know.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
We we have young kids at school, and you know,
when you start kindergarten, I have the kind of the
six which is gospid is the and it's great that
we have our current group have buddies that are soldiers
that have been before us and a lot of them
have had some great success, which is really really really
convenient now Tongue, we're sitting on top of the table
and have those conversations with those with those guys.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
And a great example was Owen Patty.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
I've got to chat to Paddy post match for the
radio there and during the week the club with out
a video and when he said he chose Steve Walters
as his buddy if you will, and he mentioned to me,
knowing that he was in the crowd watching today he
wanted to go up agin for Steve for box ahead.
Speaker 8 (11:35):
Yeah, it's fantastic and it's a credit to the club
and Tarica as well, because does it actually you know,
makes that current player you know, to understand more about
you know, that barber who's come before them and looking
at the style of play and what them in their
position and being able.
Speaker 5 (11:54):
To do that.
Speaker 8 (11:55):
It just gets them deeper connection to the club, which
I think is really important. And it's you know, like
at the end of the day, like footy, yes, it's
about playing for your teammates that are besides you, but
sides that do well and I think we're building certainly
towards that. There's a greater purpose and vision as well.
Beyond just your team on the field.
Speaker 5 (12:15):
It's about the people that support you in the crowd
and the community. It's about those that have come before you.
It's about your.
Speaker 8 (12:21):
Family, you know, really trying to bring all that emotion
and energy into the way that you go about your
business and you represent the club. So I think there's some, yeah,
some really important things that can come out of this weekend.
It is only one game and one weekend for the
players to connect, but I think there's some really deep
things that filter right throughout the whole season.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
Well, that was quite adorable of what Patty said, David.
What was adorable was the week before had Josh proper
Lee on a big Papa on here and he mentioned
towards the end there that we represent Canberra before we
represent the Raid as it comes first on the emblem
and it's the community. And then specifically on game day
you have the old, the young, the ones on a
(13:04):
walking chair, on the ones in a wheelchair, the ones
in a prim hecause.
Speaker 3 (13:08):
That's who he that's who he plays for.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
That's where he gets his extra inspiration for and it
seems to be a collective this year that the boys
have really tapped into the town. Ricky's big on tapping
into the community to be a Raider, what it means
to be a rated, to be a cam beeron, but
this year more so, Tonguy.
Speaker 5 (13:25):
Yeah, and I think, yeah, I think you're right there too.
Speaker 8 (13:29):
And I think the love that the community is giving
the Raiders now it's not lost on the plane group,
which is important, and so they acknowledge that they want
to give back to that, and it's been really spoken about,
you know, how do we want to be perceived in
the public eye, and so really making sure that they
(13:51):
do that.
Speaker 5 (13:52):
On the players, they just talk about how good the
crowd is and the energy that's about there.
Speaker 8 (13:58):
And still the goose bumps are running out to a
Viking clap, even those that have done it many many
times over.
Speaker 5 (14:04):
So there's some really yeah, there's a lot of things
that are coming together.
Speaker 8 (14:08):
But I know that the players are certainly appreciating the
support from the community and.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
It's a wave.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
I'm hearing a lot of people that last week in
that twenty thousand and you know, due respect disrespect to Paramata,
we usually get the twenty thousand, when it's like a
you know, a top three battle. You know, we're playing
someone in the eight, you know, as it was with
the Bulldogs, but we're playing Paramatta. You know, we heart
having the best season. They're traveling towards and say the
bottom four of the table. But the fact that we
(14:35):
packed it out, you know, for a team that's you know,
in the bottom four currently, that was huge. And there's
each week I'm getting new people saying, oh, I'm going
to the Raiders for the first time, and then I'll
now and check back in and say how'd you go?
And they're like amazing, Like love love the Viking Cloup,
love the atmosphere, love the game day, and the team
at the end, especially when at the end there when
(14:56):
it's it was a bit of an arm wrestle, and
then for the Green Machine to just on unrail and
put on three or four tries was the last fifteen
minutes to really get someone to cheer about. So you
walk away with a great taste, you know. Yeah, it's
becoming a great entertainment package for us local Canberrans.
Speaker 5 (15:12):
Yeah, yeah, you know, you're absolutely right.
Speaker 8 (15:14):
I think in this this time slot, like the middle
of winter school holidays where a lot of families get away.
Speaker 5 (15:21):
To have a little retreat and get away from the
cold weather. It can be typically hard to get good crowds.
And I was just playing away coming to the ground.
Speaker 8 (15:29):
I was ringing, you know, Timmy Gable because I was saying,
I'm going to be late, mate. There's just so there's
cars lined up everywhere.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Careful done that many times I'm doing I'm doing my
intro with the tower made jacked up on the cheek.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
There is still that's right.
Speaker 5 (15:44):
I just was like, this is unbelievable. And I was
still there early and it was just great.
Speaker 8 (15:49):
So I got there a little bit late for the
women's start of the women's game, but yeah, it was
just it was fantastic that the sea. And I think
I actually think too from a fan's point of view,
is that like, well, wouldn't you want to come and
watch them? They play a really entertaining style.
Speaker 5 (16:05):
It's they play tough yep.
Speaker 8 (16:07):
Absolutely, they've got they've got some real toughness to them,
but they're not afraid to back themselves. And they've got
speed out wide, and they've got some real entertainers and
so they've got a really nice little mix there at
the moment, and I think it's entertaining, and you know
as much as PARAMOUNTA.
Speaker 5 (16:23):
Yes, they are down on the bottom of the table.
Speaker 8 (16:26):
They were coming just to throw everything at us, and
so they came with a real attacking mindset. So it
was unbelievable that first half was just going from one
end of the killed, one side of the field to
the other, just it was.
Speaker 5 (16:38):
It was absolutely breakneck speed. And then the Raiders got
in their groove.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
And exactly their Paramountic side. You know, they've got origin
players and they're like Lomacs and blokes who have been
there before.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
So what are you seeing there telling?
Speaker 2 (16:49):
You know, ask a lot of the boys their opinions
and what's different to say last year and in previous years,
and what's changed, And a lot of the common responses
I'm getting is we seem to be more patient, less frantic.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
We're confident.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
If we fall behind by a couple of tries, there
is no anxiety at all, there's no scoreboard pressure. We
just we just have confidence that we can get back
in there. What are you seeing from Afar? You work
with them closely a couple of days a week. You
obviously you watch them every week with your commentary. What
are you seeing?
Speaker 3 (17:18):
What do you feel? What's allent seeing and feeling?
Speaker 8 (17:21):
Yeah, I suppose there's a couple of words that come
to mind. Is one, is there prepared? I think when
it's if you look at results and how things have
gone now, but it's been a part of a process
and even last year and you needed to go through
last year that there was certainly some really good signs
(17:42):
there last year and then there was well, here we
are we faded out in the second half. All we're
falling away, But there was certainly some really great points
last year.
Speaker 5 (17:52):
We were really really.
Speaker 8 (17:53):
Well prepared from day one of pre season. Everybody bought
in and it was been tough. They went away on
a really great sort of camp as well together that
really took them out of their comfort zone as a group,
which was really really important for us. And so they've
been really prepared well physically, and I think is one thing.
(18:15):
You can see that they're fit and they're bought into
everything there.
Speaker 5 (18:18):
So that's one thing. I think. The other thing is
there's great.
Speaker 8 (18:22):
Clarity and confidence within the coaching staff. When I sit
in the team meetings and I hear the coaches talk
about the style of play that we want to play
with the players really buy in and they understand it.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
They know their roles. They try and simplified as best
they can, but there's really nice, clear.
Speaker 8 (18:42):
Clarity to the way that they want to play and
they want to take away, you know, the different strengths
of opposition. So that is that is another thing which
is really important. And then I suppose the third word
that sort of jumps into my mind at the moment.
It's been a part of this whole growth mindset that
the club has had over a period of time. As
(19:02):
they look back and you know, three or four years ago,
they talked about buying these young guys and they needed
to educate them, be with them for the long haul,
and they knew that growth was going to come.
Speaker 5 (19:15):
They just needed to be patient.
Speaker 8 (19:17):
Get the right people around them, support them, encourage them.
And I can just see that confidence coming through now
in that you know, just sticking with their growth, their
trajectory that they wanted, you know a number of years ago.
Speaker 5 (19:30):
So it's great vision by the club.
Speaker 8 (19:31):
But it's all been part of a plan this well,
you know, this season is no fluke and people go.
Everybody's beating expectations of everybody. Well, I think probably even
from those inside the four Walls, they were probably thinking,
you know, this still might.
Speaker 5 (19:47):
Have been a year or two away. It's just been
a part of a plan that has gotten to this
point in time.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
And that was the same as a great mate, the
Great Lazarus the Brick. He came out the press and
the camera times. We had a big story about it
where he said the camp Brads win a company the
next couple of years because of that, exactly what you said,
And like you said, this is all by design, not
a fluke. Maybe yeah, probably a little bit premature and
where we'd be, but you mentioned growth, mindset, tonguey, and
(20:16):
we haven't really hit our straps just yet as well,
which is the most exciting part too. And I've got
this feeling that when we when we've got the manlies
of the world and we've got the Panthers of the
world and have the Dolphins of the world, those big
tough games, even though the Knights and the Dragons that
they're going to be up there because they've really starting
to upset some teams, So it's not going to be
a really soft run home. It's going to be a
nice obstacle course to go through. But the growth mindset
(20:38):
is so pleasing with this group, the fact that they're
all going to grow together, and I just can't imagine
what they will do to a group when you're all
growing going for the grades together. I mentioned school at
the start of the show. It's kind of like a
you're all going to school together and growing and evolving
together as a team.
Speaker 11 (20:55):
Yeah, yeah, I know, you're absolutely right, and I think about,
you know, the back end of this, and a lot
of people have mentioned, you know, it is an easier
run into the finals because of where the team sit
on the competition, But I certainly don't have that mindset whatsoever.
Speaker 5 (21:11):
I know from a.
Speaker 8 (21:12):
Player being in both positions, one where you guarantee to
get into the finals and one where you're on.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
The edge of the finals.
Speaker 8 (21:19):
You know, we're playing up against teams like the Paramatters,
the Newcastle, the Dragons.
Speaker 5 (21:23):
And the Seagles where they're desperate and.
Speaker 8 (21:26):
They've basically got nothing to lose their game to do
the unexpected.
Speaker 5 (21:30):
You could see on the weekend against Paramata and Adolf
loads out the back and they're kicking early. The you know,
all of these different things that aren't usually in the rhythm.
Speaker 8 (21:40):
Of a you know, a top four game that you
would see this is what's going to happen, and so
it's going to be just as tricky as playing against
those those top tiers teams.
Speaker 5 (21:50):
So it's going to be really important. You know. Once
again we talked about their both mindset is I think
the weekend's.
Speaker 8 (21:58):
Game, yes, away with a really great win in the end,
but it can be one of our most important wins
because they almost lost a little bit of the DNA
that they had played with and got them to this
point all year, and it became a little bit too
This site was throwing the ball around, and they started
throwing the ball around, got some joy early and maybe
(22:19):
thinking that's going to continue to just flow like that
big crowd, beautiful afternoon slip surface.
Speaker 5 (22:25):
Bang bang bang. It wasn't going their way. They had
to wait till halftime and get an absolute bathroom ricky.
Speaker 8 (22:31):
Then they went right, let's go back to the way
that we play as the Canberraiders. And so they need
to grow as a group and go they don't need
they can't wait till half time and get that from
the coach, they need to recognize that in the middle
of the game, where momentums changing in the first half,
whenever that might be and go right, let's go back
to the way.
Speaker 5 (22:51):
That we play our footing.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
And that showed so much character amongst the group. But
you know, it's so exciting, Tonguey.
Speaker 2 (22:59):
We're sitting in the top at the table and we've
had a great year so far, and a lot of
the players will say that too. And the great thing
about that is when I talk to some of the boys,
I get a little bit yeahoob and said, look.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
Where we are.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
Boys like, Okay, we've done well for this part of
the enn. You can say that, but can you mean
that They actually mean that? And what's so pleasing about this,
and you mentioned the word growth mindset is we are
still a work in progress. And you see Ricky and
the press are saying we are still a work in progress.
There's still work to do with these young blokes, you
know what I mean. And he can't sit there and
(23:30):
cash in these winds and cashing on the waves and
the highers, and Ricky is doing a really important role.
Speaker 3 (23:34):
I think this is his best year.
Speaker 2 (23:35):
If he doesn't win Cage of the Year, and I'm
not sure who will the fact that he's still his
flat where fleet. We are flying high on the outside,
but what the work he's doing on the inside, and
he's still continuing to be a work in progress. And
that's what's so pleasing that we are a work in progress.
Speaker 5 (23:51):
Yeah, yeah, you know, you're absolutely right. And I think
one of.
Speaker 8 (23:56):
For me in the leadership and culture position, one of
the things that I I probably worry about a little
bit is, you know, players.
Speaker 5 (24:03):
Getting too far ahead of themselves.
Speaker 8 (24:05):
And you know, it's certainly something that I hated, you know,
in my teammates or even trying to keep myself in
check and different things like that, but people getting ahead
of themselves and really understanding and appreciating.
Speaker 5 (24:16):
This humility which is such an important part of our club.
And you know, we've done a couple of little workshops
on it as a.
Speaker 8 (24:23):
Group, but I just can't see it in the group
at the moment. Everywhere I try and look for it,
I'm actually trying so I can stimp that out, but
it just doesn't seem to be a part of these
guys and what they're about there. They're still really hungry,
They want to get better, which is really exciting.
Speaker 5 (24:38):
I know some you know there's going to be some
twists and turns before the end of this season, but
they're committed and that's a that's a really good.
Speaker 3 (24:46):
Spot to be funny thing is telling you.
Speaker 2 (24:48):
We always say there'll be some twist and turns and
maybe this could be the week we have the loss,
but they just keep winning.
Speaker 5 (24:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
And I mentioned to the guys as well, like I
actually I look at them in the old staying all
true respect. You're surprising us as well with think in
the ca it might end here, you know, it's just sport,
you know, But the boys just keep showing up and
keep winning and that's just all we can ask. And
the fact that they're working progress progress is so exciting
as well. And just quickly telling you we speak about
(25:14):
this growth mindset now we've been asked to be involved
in this wonderful movement to come in coming out of
the Gold Coast with the camera base called five eighths,
which is about growth mindset, but also being conscious the
conscious man, and there's other options, there's other ways to
go about your world. And that's also two. When things
get a little bit tricky, you can. There's ways you
(25:34):
can grab a shovel and dig yourself out of a hole.
We were invited to do a photo shoot because they're
doing a brand of a wonderful cut T shirts the
Great Grands of Seaford over I'll tell you what water
for a changing room Again, I just wanted to run
out and have a hit up.
Speaker 8 (25:49):
Mate.
Speaker 5 (25:51):
That's great. You're absolutely right, and it's so good to
be a part of, you know, movements like this. Yes, well,
first and foremost I said, cracking gear like you the
shirts and everything like that there, it's really really good
good gear, but the actual you know, the message and
the meeting behind it, you know, is even better. And
I think you know, we've talked about it as part
(26:13):
of our group and the sporting analogies that they have
so many crossovers there. But it's really important. There's going
to be some tough times, there's going to.
Speaker 8 (26:20):
Be some twists and turns, but you know, I getting
a really good team around you and supporting you through
that and understand the bigger picture to it all, and
I'm just taking one thing at a time. It's amazing
how those same messages are so applicable in a rugby
league team and.
Speaker 5 (26:35):
It is in our own lives. So it's just really
great to be able to do that alongside ja mate.
Speaker 2 (26:40):
But also too, I mean without embarrassing ent taking. I
love your quote of with each step back it's an
opportunity for a comeback. And I think the moment we're
working on a project together with the NRL Welfare Space,
and when you mentioned that, that always stuck to mind
of how powerful that is. You know, that's that can
(27:01):
be that can be enough to get someone out of
bed in the morning, you know, yeah.
Speaker 8 (27:05):
I mean it's only these little daglines or messages that
you just you know, in our work that we do
with the NRL State of Mind and the different programs
that we deliver, you know, just those little cues because
sometimes you can you can be in a little rut
and you just why me, and but that hindsight, it's
a wonderful thing, as we know. But whether it's a
(27:25):
mate that's just got a little encourage encouragement to you,
or you know, somebody that you can just reach it
out to and have a bit of a yarn, just
that chance to stop and breathe and take a moment
just to understand where you are at that moment, and
you know things.
Speaker 5 (27:40):
Will get better.
Speaker 8 (27:41):
It's just, yeah, it's all little ways that we can
do to trigger to make sure we look after each
other and look after our own health and well being.
Speaker 3 (27:50):
And it's just a wonderful thing and I love it.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
How as a society now the stigma in some areas
is getting intense, but in some areas it's getting live.
Speaker 3 (28:00):
And I love the fact that in this space as well.
Speaker 2 (28:03):
You know, for men's mental health and men's will I
like to say men's well being because life is all
about ups and downs, and you get pressures and triggers
and things that always come up because that's just the
way life's designed. You've got to have those you've got
to have those little challenges that come come forward. It's
never like a straight line. And you know, in a
weirdest sense, I always believe that things happen for a
reason and you need those challenges to grow and to change.
Speaker 3 (28:25):
So let's not get stuck there. Let's not get stuck there.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
There's ways around, and the fact that we're now reaching
for those tools that are available, whatever they are for anyone.
But it's great that five eights who's your five eight,
you know, that's the slogan, who's the guy that you
have around and to bring that awareness and talking to
some of the old boys too in the sheds post game,
he's big dang Tills and statue to Vico and these
(28:49):
guys and the Picker brothers, a lot of the boys,
especially Tills, a lot of the boys for some reason
telling you they always go back to youth work after
they finish football. On the correlation to go back and
help and having those rugby league connotations that work not
just on the football field or the sporting field, but
to life, because I know that you really really really
embrace and embody what you've learned on the field into
(29:11):
your successful career now. But it's great to see the
boys just get back into the trenches there to make
a difference of what they've learned.
Speaker 5 (29:18):
You know.
Speaker 8 (29:19):
Yeah, that's right, And that's going back right to the
start of our conversation around the Forever Green and you know,
it is actually a really important weekend for the club.
Speaker 5 (29:29):
The understanding, the history, everything like that, but it's actually
looking after the past players and they're well being too.
Speaker 8 (29:36):
Sometimes as players you feel that in the game it
gets it's only for a short period of life, but
it's in the prime of your life, like in those
early twenties, and if you're lucky, you know you might
play in your thirties early thirties, but then it's taken
away from you pretty quick and you've got to you
to redesign yourself. You've got to rebuild yourself, you've got
to start again, you've got to go to a whole
(29:58):
different world. And sometimes that and be really really difficult,
And so these weekends are really important to get connected
back and understanding of those those times that you had
some good some some might have been a little bit tougher,
but connecting back with your mates and looking after each
other and are really really important weekends, I believe too
(30:19):
for the well being of our past players.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
Some players tell their whole year is both around that
one day coming back to Canberra and being involved, and
that's just that's adorable. Again, I've said that a few times.
It's just for a guy to come down, whether he's
played one game or three hundred and one games. And
also too, I mentioned this on the Triple Ms on
the weekend about how the Raiders, and I mentioned how
(30:43):
the Canberra do it the best, but they are also welcoming.
Whether you played one game off the bench you know,
back in two thousand and nine under Maddy Elliott, or
you played three hundred one games under Ricky Stewart, you're
welcomed with a smile and open arms and there's a
beer in front of it, and they'll be always be
someone that you can just kind of bounce with on
those events.
Speaker 8 (31:03):
You know. Yeah, no, you're absolutely right, and it's just
it's wonderful and more and more clubs, like you mentioned,
I think.
Speaker 5 (31:10):
The Raiders do it really well, but you know, there's
more and more clubs, you know, really you know buying
into this, which is great across the game, and it'll
be great.
Speaker 8 (31:17):
It won't be too long down the track and we'll
be having past players in our women's game as well
the NRLW, so it'll continue to grow this speech space, which.
Speaker 5 (31:28):
Is which is really exciting. So it was a great
weekend to be a part of important that we had
a good win. But now we move on to next week.
Speaker 2 (31:37):
We move on to next week the Newcastle Knights game
on Sunday two o'clock, another beautiful after lunch fixture as
the camera whether starting to get a little bit more
Mother nature is putting on some better days.
Speaker 3 (31:49):
It's not as cold.
Speaker 5 (31:50):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 8 (31:51):
I think it'll be a fast track again, although a
little bit of rain preticted earlier on Saturday, I think.
Speaker 5 (31:57):
But the Newcastle and night Say coming in and they'll
throw ball around speed on their edges. So it's going
to be a good challenge again.
Speaker 2 (32:03):
And I get some old mates as well playing and
a coach who's a good coach who's probably desperate.
Speaker 3 (32:08):
As well to turn things around.
Speaker 2 (32:09):
So it's a desperate organization and we're going to be
ready all right, telling you great the chat. As always,
we look forward to seeing five eight the ither looks
and forward to seeing.
Speaker 3 (32:16):
This photo shoot too of how we've pulled up.
Speaker 2 (32:18):
And I'm sure you're great mate, you're looking tipped off
the fabulous you used to run out and play eighty
minutes with that body mate empoise.
Speaker 5 (32:24):
I don't think so, but it was great to be
a part of mate, Thanks as always for your chat
and you love with the green machine, but also important
about the well being talked there to mate.
Speaker 2 (32:32):
Thank you absolutely mate and love having you on always
made and every club needs an alentyn and it may
as well be you.
Speaker 5 (32:41):
Thanks mate,
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