Todd Carney the star in a group of light
July 20th 2008 09:26
The green machine was working well against the Roosters
Everybody that supports the Canberra Raiders will tell you Todd Carney is the lead singer of the band.
A man that can take it up with the best of players in the NRL. A man always likely to put on a show.
You could say that Carney is the household name in a Canberra side now oozing confidence and spirit.
After giving the Sydney Roosters their second consecutive loss, Carney can walk offstage and celebrate like the rockstar he is.
The crowd starts yelling as the Raiders put on a masterclass display, tearing the Roosters apart and in turn enhancing their terrific record in the nations capital.
Althought the likes of Alan Tongue and Joel Monaghan will keep the rivalry respectable, Carney is the pin-up boy with a boot to match.
As if the light could not shine brighter, Carney garned two forty-twenty kicks against an opposition who thrive themselves on their kick returns.
Whether the Roosters were bad remains to be seen, but Carney is effectively the best open play kicker in the NRL.
Opposing coach Freddy Fittler would have despised the sideline as Carney kept putting the Roosters back into a position of vulnerability and weakness.
It was on the back of Carney's kicking game that the Roosters always looked backward in terms of play and possession.
While the Raiders produced the performance worthy of a finals place, the Roosters are losing their vocals big time.
Three weeks ago, they beat the Bulldogs minus six Origin stars and were heading the competition. The tour bus for the finals was booked.
Now, a dressing room full of sombre faces, Brad Fittler's men now face a test of character. A component in their game that has been non-existant for the past two weeks. Its now smaller than a decimal.
After six months of keeping a top two spot intact, the Roosters are in a spot of bother.
After getting on the map with their massive forward pack, teams have now taken notice and are primed to assault the Bondi power by any means necessary.
Both the Raiders and the Titans whipped the chooks on their back as speed ultimately destroyed the aura that is the biggest pack of forwards in the NRL.
The Raiders did everything they were supposed to, ending the Roosters domination up front and keeping their own chances of a finals birth alive.
Although Carney is the lead rocker, the group itself is very hot at the moment.
After consecutive wins over the Dragons and Roosters, Canberra have every right to believe in the amusement of making the eight - when so many thought they would fail.
One thing is certain - the Raiders are letting the league world know their presence, full of stamina and courage, not to mention flair.
The Raiders have become a side capable of snapping up any opportunity that comes their way. On centre stage in chilly Canberra, Carney is making security work overtime.
For he is the man responsible for making the beat, always coming up with suggestions to blow his opponents wide open.
No questions asked, Carney is destined to represent in rugby leagues greatest arena whether it be for the Blues, Australia or the Raiders in a grand final.
But for now, Carney is the epitome of a side still capable of causing havoc for teams and tipsters alike.
Do not write this Canberra side off.
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