This sensational victory not only handed them a sweet revenge after last year’s Pre-Season Challenge drought but also bagged the Raiders a hefty 15 points, putting them in the running for the coveted $100,000 prize pot.
The Raiders unleashed a firestorm late in the third quarter, netting a cool 18 points and sweeping all available bonus points for tries, line breaks, and offloads.
James Schiller, eyeing a spot in the centre, turned the field into his personal stage with a dazzling display.
Not only did he set up Jed Stuart for a try, but he also left jaws on the floor with a spectacular 105-metre dash to glory, turning a botched Eels kick into a highlight reel moment.
But the Eels can’t be written off yet, obviously.
Despite taking a beating, they showed flashes of brilliance that hint at a promising season ahead. With Sean Russell making waves on the wing and Brendan Hands stepping up in the hooker’s role, it’s clear there’s still plenty of fight left in this team.
Early on, the Eels looked poised for domination with quick tries from Ofahiki Ogden and Russell. But the Green Machine soon its stride. Kaeo Weekes and Peter Taateo bulldozed through Parra’s defenses, setting the stage for Schiller’s game-changing moves.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Raiders piled on the misery with further tries from Peter Hola, Adam Cook, and Noah Martin, turning the game into a rout and sending a clear message to their NRL rivals. The scoreboard didn’t lie – this was the Raiders’ night.
With this win the Raiders have thrown down the gauntlet, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with in this year’s Pre-Season Challenge.
As for the Eels, it’s back to the drawing board, but with plenty of positives to build on.
