Ricky’s written-off Raiders register rousing win over rusty Knights to show they won’t be wooden spoon fodder

The 2024 NRL season kicked off with a thrilling match between the Newcastle Knights and the Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. While the Knights were rusty due to their preseason struggles, the Raiders were determined to prove that they were not going to be wooden spoon fodder.

The Raiders had a strong off-season, with the addition of several high-profile players such as Josh Papalii and Charnze Nicolls. They also brought in new coach Ricky Stuart, who was known for his successful stints with the Canterbury Bulldogs and the NSW Blues.

Despite being written off by many pundits, the Raiders came out on top, winning 24-18. The victory was a significant statement of intent from the Raiders, who showed that they were capable of competing with the best teams in the league.

The match was characterized by intense play and high tackles, with both sides determined to gain an advantage. The Knights struggled to keep up with the Raiders' speed and skill, with Papalii and Nicolls playing particularly well.

Overall, the opening fixture of the 2024 season was a great example of the weekly grind that is the NRL. While there may be some glamour matches throughout the year, it is the hard work and determination of the players that ultimately determines the outcome of the game.