Canberra Raiders season 2008
Encyclopedia
2008
was the Canberra Raiders
' 27th season in the National Rugby League
competition. The Raiders began the year favourites to win the wooden spoon, however they finished 6th (out of 16) and were eliminated in the first week of the finals.
picked for Country Origin, and Monaghan being a shadow player for the New South Wales Side.
However, as in recent seasons, injuries have been the curse of the Canberra club, with no less than three players suffering dreaded ACL ruptures, arguably the worst kind of injury a footballer can receive, essentially ending their season. Worse, the three players afflicted, Will Zillman, Lincoln Withers and Phil Graham are amongst the Raiders best players. Compounding this, talented back-rowers Neville Costigan and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs have spent minimal time on the field due to recurring minor injuries. The club has also suffered badly in the recruiting race, with Zillman and strong front rower Michael Weyman opting to go elsewhere next season, with indications that Costigan and Scott Logan will do the same. Additionally, half Michael Dobson left the club mid-season for the English club Hull KR, due to lack of opportunities in Canberra. Finally, Coach Neil Henry has exercised a get-out clause in his contract, and will coach the North-Queensland Cowboys in 2009, with former player and club legend, but inexperienced coach, David Furner taking over in 2009. To date, beyond a few talented youngsters, the club is yet to procure a single player of note for season 2009, and will once again be forced to rely on youthful talent. At Round 13, Canberra sat well outside the eight, and the season looked as though it could end with a whimper.
However, far from fading away, the Raiders bounced back with a comprehensive victory over the Brisbane Broncos and then proceeded to thrash the Canterbury Bulldogs, inflicting the worst loss on the Sydney based club in over half a century. Despite successive losses to the Cronulla Sharks and defending premiers Melbourne Storm, Canberra fought hard in both games, then broke a 13 year losing streak in Wollongong (and ended a 7 match winning streak by the home team) with an impressive win over St. George-Illawarra. The season highlight, however, was a comprehensive 34-12 win over league leaders, the Sydney Roosters. With 7 rounds left in the 2008 premiership, Canberra sits just one point outside the top eight. With a comparatively friendly draw, playing several teams below them on the table, the Raiders are poised to sneak into the semi-finals for the first time in two years. After a comprehensive 74-12 win over the Panthers the Raiders moved in to an unexpected 6th spot on the ladder from 11th to almost cement a spot in the 2008 finals series with 4 games remaining.
The raiders went closer to the top eight with two important wins against Newcastle and Souths. They are know on a three match winning streak with 2 games remaining.
The season has not been without controversy, however, with star halfback Todd Carney and fullback Bronx Goodwin being stood down by the club after an altercation at a Canberra nightclub following the round 19 win against the Roosters. Carney was eventually dismissed by the club after failing to agree to the punishment plan the club had laid out for him, Goodwin's future is still to be determined.
As of 6 September 2008, despite a heavy injury toll, the Raiders are guaranteed a place in the NRL 2008 Finals Series, a feat which was at the start of the season impossible according to Rugby League punditry in Australia.
The Raiders semi-final appearance was brief, however. After being defeated by the Cronulla Sharks, the Raiders 6th place finish was considered to be enough to get them a second chance. However, a huge upset with 8th place New Zealand defeating minor premiers Melbourne saw the Raiders eliminated.
extra time to with the Toyota Cup (Under 20s) premiership in the lead-up game to the NRL Grand Final
on 5 October 2008
Terry Campese
Marshall Chalk
Players used outside top 25 Glen Buttriss
Justin Carney
Joel Thompson
Released mid-season Todd Carney
Michael Dobson
National Rugby League season 2008
The 2008 NRL season was the 101st season of professional rugby league club competition in Australia, and the eleventh run by the National Rugby League. For the second year, sixteen teams competed for the 2008 Telstra Premiership title. The season commenced with the first matches played on 14 March...
was the Canberra Raiders
Canberra Raiders
The Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982...
' 27th season in the National Rugby League
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
competition. The Raiders began the year favourites to win the wooden spoon, however they finished 6th (out of 16) and were eliminated in the first week of the finals.
Season summary
The 2008 season started with some promise for the Raiders - a good showing despite a loss in round 1 vs. Newcastle was followed up with two solid wins against Penrith and St.George-Illawarra. The club has since suffered a series of losses, whilst snaring only the occasional victory, with a big come from behind victory against Wests being noteworthy. In the representative field, Todd Carney and Joel MonaghanJoel Monaghan
Joel Monaghan is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Warrington Wolves in Super League. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative three-quarter, he played for the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters...
picked for Country Origin, and Monaghan being a shadow player for the New South Wales Side.
However, as in recent seasons, injuries have been the curse of the Canberra club, with no less than three players suffering dreaded ACL ruptures, arguably the worst kind of injury a footballer can receive, essentially ending their season. Worse, the three players afflicted, Will Zillman, Lincoln Withers and Phil Graham are amongst the Raiders best players. Compounding this, talented back-rowers Neville Costigan and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs have spent minimal time on the field due to recurring minor injuries. The club has also suffered badly in the recruiting race, with Zillman and strong front rower Michael Weyman opting to go elsewhere next season, with indications that Costigan and Scott Logan will do the same. Additionally, half Michael Dobson left the club mid-season for the English club Hull KR, due to lack of opportunities in Canberra. Finally, Coach Neil Henry has exercised a get-out clause in his contract, and will coach the North-Queensland Cowboys in 2009, with former player and club legend, but inexperienced coach, David Furner taking over in 2009. To date, beyond a few talented youngsters, the club is yet to procure a single player of note for season 2009, and will once again be forced to rely on youthful talent. At Round 13, Canberra sat well outside the eight, and the season looked as though it could end with a whimper.
However, far from fading away, the Raiders bounced back with a comprehensive victory over the Brisbane Broncos and then proceeded to thrash the Canterbury Bulldogs, inflicting the worst loss on the Sydney based club in over half a century. Despite successive losses to the Cronulla Sharks and defending premiers Melbourne Storm, Canberra fought hard in both games, then broke a 13 year losing streak in Wollongong (and ended a 7 match winning streak by the home team) with an impressive win over St. George-Illawarra. The season highlight, however, was a comprehensive 34-12 win over league leaders, the Sydney Roosters. With 7 rounds left in the 2008 premiership, Canberra sits just one point outside the top eight. With a comparatively friendly draw, playing several teams below them on the table, the Raiders are poised to sneak into the semi-finals for the first time in two years. After a comprehensive 74-12 win over the Panthers the Raiders moved in to an unexpected 6th spot on the ladder from 11th to almost cement a spot in the 2008 finals series with 4 games remaining.
The raiders went closer to the top eight with two important wins against Newcastle and Souths. They are know on a three match winning streak with 2 games remaining.
The season has not been without controversy, however, with star halfback Todd Carney and fullback Bronx Goodwin being stood down by the club after an altercation at a Canberra nightclub following the round 19 win against the Roosters. Carney was eventually dismissed by the club after failing to agree to the punishment plan the club had laid out for him, Goodwin's future is still to be determined.
As of 6 September 2008, despite a heavy injury toll, the Raiders are guaranteed a place in the NRL 2008 Finals Series, a feat which was at the start of the season impossible according to Rugby League punditry in Australia.
The Raiders semi-final appearance was brief, however. After being defeated by the Cronulla Sharks, the Raiders 6th place finish was considered to be enough to get them a second chance. However, a huge upset with 8th place New Zealand defeating minor premiers Melbourne saw the Raiders eliminated.
Season Results
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Toyota Cup (Under 20s)
The Raiders' Toyota Cup team won 28-24 over the Broncos' team in golden pointGolden point
The golden point, a sudden death overtime system, is used to resolve drawn rugby league football matches. The term is borrowed from soccer's now defunct golden goal.-Australasia:...
extra time to with the Toyota Cup (Under 20s) premiership in the lead-up game to the NRL Grand Final
Grand Final
Grand Final is a predominantly Australian sport term used to describe a match that decides a league champion.It originated in Victoria and South Australia and has become specifically significant Australian culture...
on 5 October 2008
Club Awards
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Mal Meninga Medal Mal Meninga Medal The Mal Meninga Medal is the name of the award that goes to the Canberra Raiders' Player of the Year. The award was named after former Raiders captain and coach, Mal Meninga and was first awarded in 2008. Before this there was no name for the award but was still awarded... |
Joel Monaghan Joel Monaghan Joel Monaghan is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Warrington Wolves in Super League. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative three-quarter, he played for the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters... |
| Coaches Award | Dane Tilse Dane Tilse Dane Tilse is an Australian professional rugby league player for the Canberra Raiders club, in the National Rugby League . His position of choice is at prop... |
| Rookie of the Year | Glen Buttriss Glen Buttriss Glen Buttriss is an Australian professional rugby league player for the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League. Buttriss primarily plays at the hooker and lock positions.... |
| Fred Daly Memorial Clubman of the Year Trophy | Terry Campese Terry Campese Terry Campese is an Australian professional rugby league footballer, of Italian descent for the Canberra Raiders of the National Rugby League competition... |
| National Youth Competition Player of the Year | Shaun Fensom Shaun Fensom Shaun Fensom is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL... |
| National Youth Competition Coaches Award | Joel Thompson Joel Thompson (rugby league) Joel Thompson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the Canberra Raiders of the NRL. He plays in the second-row and has represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2006 and played for the Junior Kangaroos in 2007.... |
| Gordon McLucas Memorial Award (Junior representative player of the year) | Justin Carney Justin Carney Justin Carney is an Australian rugby league player with the Sydney Roosters. He plays in the centres or as a winger and has represented the New South Wales Schoolboys. Carney scored two tries on debut in a 34–16 win over the Brisbane Broncos... |
| Geoff Caldwell Memorial Award (Vocational Encouragement) | Brendon Wheatley |
Squad
Colin BestColin Best
Colin Best is an Australian rugby league player for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League competition.-Career:...
Terry Campese
Terry Campese
Terry Campese is an Australian professional rugby league footballer, of Italian descent for the Canberra Raiders of the National Rugby League competition...
Marshall Chalk
Marshall Chalk
Marshall Chalk is an Australian professional rugby league player for the Gold Coast Titans in the National Rugby League....
- Neville Costigan
Neville CostiganNeville Costigan is a professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. A Queensland State of Origin and Papua New Guinea international representative, Costigan previously played for the Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders and most recently, the St...
Phil GrahamPhil Graham (rugby league)Phillip "Phil" Graham is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League . He normally plays in the centre position. He previously played for the Canberra Raiders from 2002 to 2009 and the Sydney Roosters from 2010 to 2011.Graham won...
Marc HerbertMarc HerbertMarc Herbert is a Rugby League player who is now unattached after being released by the Bradford Bulls at the end of the 2011 season. He made his NRL debut in the Round 20 clash vs. the Gold Coast Titans, in place of the suspended Todd Carney...
Ryan HinchcliffeRyan HinchcliffeRyan Hinchcliffe is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Melbourne Storm of the NRL. Hinchliffe began his NRL career at Parramatta. He previously played for the Canberra Raiders before moving to the Storm, with whom he won the 2009 NRL Premiership.Ryan Hinchcliffe is a hooker...
Ben Jones
- Brett Kelly
Brett Kelly (rugby league)Brett Kelly born in Australia is a rugby league player for SO Avignon in the Elite One Championship. He previously played with the Canberra Raiders in the NRL.Brett Kelly's position of choice is as a centre.... - Tom Learoyd-LahrsTom Learoyd-LahrsTom Learoyd-Lahrs is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Canberra Raiders of the National Rugby League competition...
- Scott LoganScott LoganScott Logan is an Australian former professional rugby league player for the Canberra Raiders. His position is prop. He has been described as, "one of the most durable props of the modern era."-Playing career:...
- Josh Miller
- David MilneDavid Milne (Rugby League)David Milne is an Australian Rugby League player. He plays for the North Queensland Cowboys, with a usual position of Fullback.David debuted for the Raiders in 2005, winning the club's rookie of the year award. After a period moving between the NRL and Premier League David returned to the Raiders...
- Joel MonaghanJoel MonaghanJoel Monaghan is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Warrington Wolves in Super League. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative three-quarter, he played for the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters...
- Joe PickerJoe PickerJoe Picker is an Australian rugby league player contracted to the Canberra Raiders. He plays in the second row and has represented the Australian Schoolboys....
- Adrian PurtellAdrian PurtellAdrian Purtell is an Australian rugby league footballer for the Penrith Panthers of the NRL. He previously played with the Canberra Raiders. His usual position is .-Career:...
- Nigel PlumNigel PlumNigel Plum is a Rugby League player who plays for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League competition. He is known for his tackling technique...
- Troy Thompson
- Trevor ThurlingTrevor ThurlingTrevor Thurling is an Australian professional rugby league footbaaller for the Canberra Raiders of the National Rugby League competition . He primarily plays in the second-row or at prop....
- Dane TilseDane TilseDane Tilse is an Australian professional rugby league player for the Canberra Raiders club, in the National Rugby League . His position of choice is at prop...
- Alan TongueAlan TongueAlan Tongue in is a retired professional rugby league footballer of the 2000s and 2010s. A Country New South Wales representative forward, he captained of the Canberra Raiders for several seasons in the National Rugby League competition.-Early years:While attending Farrer Memorial Agricultural...
(c) - Glen Turner
Glen TurnerGlen Turner is a former professional rugby league player who played for the Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders. He played as a second row or lock.-Playing career:... - Michael WeymanMichael WeymanMichael Weyman is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the St. George Illawarra Dragons of the National Rugby League...
- Lincoln WithersLincoln WithersLincoln Withers is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Crusaders of Europe's Super League. Withers previously played in the National Rugby League competition for the Canberra Raiders, St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers...
Players used outside top 25 Glen Buttriss
Glen Buttriss
Glen Buttriss is an Australian professional rugby league player for the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League. Buttriss primarily plays at the hooker and lock positions....
Justin Carney
Justin Carney
Justin Carney is an Australian rugby league player with the Sydney Roosters. He plays in the centres or as a winger and has represented the New South Wales Schoolboys. Carney scored two tries on debut in a 34–16 win over the Brisbane Broncos...
Joel Thompson
Joel Thompson (rugby league)
Joel Thompson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the Canberra Raiders of the NRL. He plays in the second-row and has represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2006 and played for the Junior Kangaroos in 2007....
Released mid-season Todd Carney
Todd Carney
Todd Carney is an Australian professional rugby league football player. Carney has represented Australia, Country New South Wales and, in the National Rugby League, the Canberra Raiders between 2003 and 2008, and the Sydney Roosters between 2010 and 2011...
Michael Dobson
Michael Dobson (rugby)
Michael Dobson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the Hull Kingston Rovers club of the Super League competition, in 2009 he won the prestigious Albert Goldthorpe Medal.-Career :...