2015 Raider Issue 2

ISSUE 2 | FEB 2015

REUNITED AT LAST

SIA & FRANKY

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TEAM POSTER & SEASON DRAW LIFTOUT

THE 2015 SEASON HAS ARRIVED AND SO TOO HAS THE SECOND ISSUE OF THE RAIDER MAGAZINE. INSIDE THIS EDITION YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE LIFETIME FRIENDSHIP OF NEW RAIDERS RECRUITS FRANK-PAUL NUUAUSALA AND SIA SOLIOLA AND HOW THEY’VE ADJUSTED TO LIFE IN CANBERRA.It’s also player profile time, with the 2015 NRL squad player profiles included in this edition. Don’t forget to visit Raiders.com.au or download the Raiders app from the iTunes or Google Play stores to see the full profiles for both NRL and NYC.

We’ve included the Raiders 2015 season draw and jersey sponsor information and the awesome 2015 team poster for you to put up at your home, office or at your local footy club.

For all of your up to date information on what’s happening with the Raiders visit Raiders.com.au or follow us on social media:

IN THIS ISSUE

CONTRIBUTORSWRITERS Simon McGuinness & Ben Pollack CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN Anthony Nankervis PHOTOGRAPHY Lightbulb Studio

ISSUE 2 | FEB 2015

LEFTJack wears the Raiders away jersey from ISC Sport. Available at RaidersShop.com.au or in-store at Jerseys Megastore.

$159 Mens $129 Kids

JACK AHEARNHEIGHT: 187cmWEIGHT: 86kgPOSITION: Fullback, Five-eighth

Jack Ahearn is a talented local junior who will endeavour to make his NRL debut in 2015 after a stellar NYC career in which he was selected in the NYC Team of the Year and the Junior Kangaroos in 2013, representing NSW Residents last year whilst playing for Mounties.

BLAKE AUSTINHEIGHT: 187cmWEIGHT: 93kgPOSITION: Five-eighth

Following the departure of Terry Campese, Austin is seen as the heir to the former Captain’s number six jersey and at just 23 years of age he has an opportunity to own it for quite some time.

KURT BAPTISTEHEIGHT: 168cm

WEIGHT: 84kgPOSITION: Hooker

In his five matches in 2014, Baptise proved to be impressively sharp

with his service out of dummy half, creative with the ball in hand and

with a clever kicking game to boot. His performances resulted in a two

year contract extension keeping him at the Raiders until 2016.

MITCH BARNETTHEIGHT: 186cmWEIGHT: 100kg

POSITION: Second Row, Prop

Mitchell Barnett was rewarded with an NRL contract after starring

for the club’s Holden Cup side in 2015. His consistently ferocious

displays up front saw him awarded the NYC Player’s Player at the

Meninga Medal.

SHANNON BOYDHEIGHT: 194cmWEIGHT: 122kgPOSITION: Prop

At just 22 years of age, Boyd is already a man mountain weighing in at 122kg and standing at 194cm. With talent to match, Boyd is viewed by many as one of the finest up and coming front rowers in the game. Boyd was awarded the Rookie of the Year at last year’s Meninga Medal.

GLEN BUTTRISSHEIGHT: 179cmWEIGHT: 88kgPOSITION: Hooker

With over 100 NRL games in lime green to his name, Buttriss is a loyal clubman who plays his absolute heart out each time he takes the field for the Raiders. Away from the field, Buttriss works as a youth worker at Kingsford Smith Primary School after completing a Certificate III in Youth Work last year.

2015 PLAYER PROFILES

ISSUE 2 | FEB 2015

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MITCH CORNISHHEIGHT: 179cm

WEIGHT: 85kgPOSITION: Halfback

After a stellar junior representative career, Mitch Cornish progressed through to make his NRL debut in

2014 and strongly pressed his claims to be the club’s long term number

seven. He also became a father last year, welcoming his baby son Noah

into the world.

JARROD CROKER (C)HEIGHT: 185cmWEIGHT: 94kgPOSITION: Centre

If Croker’s dazzling form over the last couple of years hadn’t already cemented his position as the side’s premier left-edge centre, then being granted with the honour of captaining this proud club certainly did. A tremendous goal kicker, Croker now sits in third position on the list of most points scored for the club behind Clinton Schifcofske and David Furner.

MITCH CRONINHEIGHT: 185cm

WEIGHT: 88kgPOSITION: Utility

Although he is yet to make his NRL debut, Mitch Cronin remains

a player of immense promise. Tremendously versatile, Cronin

played his junior football at fullback or at five-eighth but the coaching

staff sees his future at hooker.

JOEL EDWARDSHEIGHT: 185cmWEIGHT: 100kgPOSITION: Second Row, Lock

Since his arrival in 2013, Edwards has been welcomed with open arms into the Nation’s Capital after his consistently wholehearted displays on the field and his willingness to immerse himself in the ACT community off the field.

SHAUN FENSOMHEIGHT: 182cmWEIGHT: 101kgPOSITION: Lock

A dual Meninga Medallist, the statistics that Fensom continuously compiles are mind-boggling and convey exactly why he is such a favourite with NRL Fantasy coaches all over Australia.

FULL PROFILES @ RAIDERS.COM.AU |

JEREMY HAWKINSHEIGHT: 186cmWEIGHT: 97kgPOSITION: Wing, Centre

Although he didn’t start playing rugby league until he was 14, Hawkins has progressed at a rapid speed since, representing New Zealand in Under 15s, 16s and in the Junior Kiwis and now breaking through for his NRL debut in 2014.

JOSH HODGSONHEIGHT: 180cmWEIGHT: 97kgPOSITION: Hooker

After showcasing his wares against the best countries in the world at the 2014 Four Nations tournament, Hodgson is steeling himself to test his ability in the toughest club competition in the world, the NRL.

JARRAD KENNEDYHEIGHT: 186cm

WEIGHT: 98kgPOSITION: Second Row

2015 can undeniably be titled as Kennedy’s breakthrough year

with the hard working back-rower establishing himself as a regular

feature of Ricky Stuart’s top 17. Ranked as the club’s fittest forward

during pre-season.

RHYS KENNEDYHEIGHT: 197cmWEIGHT: 104kg

POSITION: Prop

Despite being five years younger than Jarrad, Rhys

is the bigger of the Kennedy brothers, weighing in at 104kg

and standing 197cm.

EDRICK LEEHEIGHT: 197cmWEIGHT: 103kgPOSITION: Wing, Centre

In such a brief period of time, Lee has announced himself as one of the hottest and most charismatic young prospects in the game after netting 15 tries from just 24 appearances.

BRENKO LEEHEIGHT: 192cmWEIGHT: 101kg

POSITION: Centre, Wing

Brenko Lee is primed to take the next step in his budding NRL career in 2015 after debuting last year, and

he is well-placed to snare the vacant right centre position.

JEFF LYNCHHEIGHT: 188cmWEIGHT: 105kg

POSITION: Prop, Lock, Second Row

Lynch is a tough-as-nails utility forward with a work-rate to match

who is looking to put two horrific years of injury behind him and push

for first grade honours.

2015 Raiders NRL Squad

COMMUNITY SUPPORT PARTNER

Back Row (L–R): Josh Hodgson, Kilu Pangai, Bill Tupou, Mitch Barnett, Tevita Pangai Junior, Jack Ahearn, Patrick Mago, Brenko Lee, Sam Williams, Kurt Baptiste. Middle Row (L–R): Jarrad Kennedy, Jeff Lynch, Joel Edwards, Rhys Kennedy, Kyle O’Donnell, Edrick Lee, David Shillington, Dane Tilse, Shannon Boyd, Mark Nicholls, Jordan Rapana, Luke Page, Mitch Cronin, Jeremy Hawkins.

Front Row (L–R): Sisa Waqa, Glen Buttriss, Josh McCrone, Blake Austin, Iosia Soliola, Jarrod Croker (Captain), Ricky Stuart (Coach), Shaun Fensom, Paul Vaughan, Jack Wighton, Josh Papalii, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Mitch Cornish.

Josh Hodgson, Kilu Pangai, Bill Tupou, Mitch Barnett, Tevita Pangai Junior, Jack Ahearn, Patrick Mago, Brenko Lee, Sam Williams, Kurt Baptiste.


Club members receive a

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2015 SEASON DRAWR1 SHARKS V RAIDERS SUN 8 MAR | 6.30PM REMONDIS STADIUM

R2 RAIDERS V WARRIORS SUN 15 MAR | 6.30PM GIO STADIUM

R3 RAIDERS V DRAGONS SAT 21 MAR | 5.30PM GIO STADIUM

R4 ROOSTERS V RAIDERS SUN 29 MAR | 2PM ALLIANZ STADIUM

R5 SEA-EAGLES V RAIDERS SAT 4 APR | 6.30PM LAVINGTON SPORTS GROUND

R6 RAIDERS V STORM SUN 12 APR | 2PM GIO STADIUM

R7 TIGERS V RAIDERS SUN 19 APR | 3PM LEICHARDT OVAL

R8 RABBITOHS V RAIDERS SUN 26 APR | 4PM BARLOW PARK

R9 RAIDERS V TITANS SAT 9 MAY | 3PM GIO STADIUM

R10 DRAGONS V RAIDERS SUN 17 MAY | 2PM WIN STADIUM

R11 RAIDERS V BULLDOGS SUN 24 MAY | 4PM GIO STADIUM

R12 RAIDERS V BRONCOS SAT 30 MAY | 5.30PM GIO STADIUM

R13 KNIGHTS V RAIDERS SAT 6 JUN | 3PM HUNTER STADIUM

CLUB LIMEP: 1300 11 LIME

W: clublime.com.au

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R15 RAIDERS V COWBOYS SAT 20 JUN | 3PM GIO STADIUM

R16 WARRIORS V RAIDERS SAT 27 JUN | 5PM MT SMART STADIUM

R17 BYE

R18 RAIDERS V KNIGHTS FRI 10 JUL | 7.45PM GIO STADIUM

R19 RAIDERS V SHARKS SAT 18 JUL | 3PM GIO STADIUM

R20 PANTHERS V RAIDERS SUN 26 JUL | 2PM PEPPER STADIUM

R21 COWBOYS V RAIDERS DATE & TIME TBC 1300SMILES STADIUM

R22 RAIDERS V TIGERS DATE & TIME TBC GIO STADIUM

R23 RAIDERS V SEA-EAGLES DATE & TIME TBC GIO STADIUM

R24 TITANS V RAIDERS DATE & TIME TBC CBUS SUPER STADIUM

R25 RAIDERS V PANTHERS DATE & TIME TBC GIO STADIUM

R26 EELS V RAIDERS DATE & TIME TBC PIRTEK STADIUM

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PATRICK MAGOHEIGHT: 191cmWEIGHT: 104kgPOSITION: Second Row

Patrick Mago is an outstanding young prospect who will push heavily for first grade honours in 2015 after representing Queensland Under 20’s and the Junior Kangaroos last year.

JOSH MCCRONEHEIGHT: 180cmWEIGHT: 89kgPOSITION: Halfback, Hooker

McCrone is the most durable player at the club having not missed a game in four years and is set for a positional switch this season after spending the pre-season at hooker.

MARK NICHOLLSHEIGHT: 194cmWEIGHT: 104kg

POSITION: Prop, Second Row

After nearly two years away from the bright lights of the NRL, Nicholls

is fiercely determined to fight his way back into the Raiders’ top 17

in 2015. Is studying an Masters of Business Administration at the

University of Canberra.

FRANK-PAUL NUUAUSALA

HEIGHT: 184cmWEIGHT: 105kg

POSITION: Prop, Lock

A ‘wrecking ball’ style of player with 15 Test Caps for New Zealand, Nuuausala was a vital ingredient in

the Sydney Roosters premiership winning outfit of 2013.

KYLE O’DONNELLHEIGHT: 193cmWEIGHT: 108kgPOSITION: Prop

O’Donnell, younger brother of former Australian Test forward Luke, earned a contract extension last year after his impressive return to first grade.

LUKE PAGEHEIGHT: 186cmWEIGHT: 108kgPOSITION: Prop

Luke Page is poised to make his NRL debut in 2015 after taking out the Queensland Cup Player of the Year Award last year whilst playing for the Souths Logan Magpies.

KILU PANGAIHEIGHT: 184cmWEIGHT: 110kg

POSITION: Prop

Powerfully built with good ball skills, Kilu Pangai is a fine young prospect who played his junior rugby league in the Newcastle

area. Older brother of Tevita.

TEVITA PANGAI JUNIOR

HEIGHT: 190cmWEIGHT: 110kg

POSITION: Second Row

Tevita Pangai Junior is a supremely talented young back-rower

whom the coaching staff and fans have been excited about for

quite some time.








JOSH PAPALIIHEIGHT: 183cmWEIGHT: 110kgPOSITION: Second Row

With a granite-like frame, a powerful running game and shoulders that show no mercy in defence, Papalii once again confirmed his standing as one of the best young forwards in the world in 2014.

JORDAN RAPANAHEIGHT: 188cm

WEIGHT: 98kgPOSITION: Wing/Fullback

After a five year exile due to a Mormon mission and a brief

flirtation with rugby union, Rapana returned to the NRL in 2014 and

earned himself a contract extension after impressing in his

two appearances at fullback.

DAVID SHILLINGTONHEIGHT: 194cm

WEIGHT: 112kgPOSITION: Prop

Shillington continues to be a pillar of strength for the Raiders

on and off the field; leading the way up front and proving to be

an excellent ambassador for the game in the community.

IOSIA SOLIOLAHEIGHT: 187cmWEIGHT: 97kgPOSITION: Second Row, Lock, Centre

Soliola is a classy back-rower who brings to the Raiders a wealth of experience from the NRL, English Super League and the international stage.

BILL TUPOUHEIGHT: 183cmWEIGHT: 99kgPOSITION: Wing, Centre

Bill Tupou is a powerful and elusive ball runner who represented Tonga last year in their Test match against Papua New Guinea.

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DANE TILSEHEIGHT: 200cmWEIGHT: 112kgPOSITION: Prop

Tilse is a towering prop forward who is the most capped current player at the club and an integral member of the side.

PAUL VAUGHANHEIGHT: 190cmWEIGHT: 110kgPOSITION: Lock, Prop

In just his second year of first grade, the self-titled ‘Italian Stallion’ has evolved into an integral member of Ricky Stuart’s top 17, and as he famously proved against the Melbourne Storm at GIO Stadium last year, a match-winner.

SISA WAQAHEIGHT: 186cm

WEIGHT: 98kgPOSITION: Wing, Centre

Growing up in Suva in his native Fiji, Waqa dreamt of donning

the famous lime green jersey of the Raiders in the NRL just like

his idol Noa Nadruku.

JACK WIGHTONHEIGHT: 188cmWEIGHT: 92kgPOSITION: Fullback, Centre, Five-eighth

After playing every position in the backline bar halfback in his three year NRL career, the dynamic attacking talents of Jack Wighton looks set to fill the fullback role in 2015.

SAM WILLIAMSHEIGHT: 179cm

WEIGHT: 84kgPOSITION: Halfback

Local junior Sam Williams returns to the Nation’s Capital in 2015

after a year which took him from the south coast of Australia to the

south of France.


THINGS WERE GOING PRETTY SWIMMINGLY FOR FRANK-PAUL NUUAUSALA; HE WAS A PREMIERSHIP WINNER, A NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL AND WAS SETTLED IN HIS LIFE AT BONDI AFTER SEVEN SUCCESSFUL YEARS AT THE ROOSTERS. Alas, as his door in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney was unexpectedly closed, another opened in the Nation’s Capital, and with that, the chance to reunite Nuuausala with his best friend.

“It was tough to leave the Roosters,” Nuuausala said candidly. “I came to Sydney when I was just 18 and all I grew to know was the Roosters, so they became my family and the area became a home for me. It was tough to leave because I had been there for a long time and I’d like to think that I’m a pretty loyal person.

“But as they say, when one door closes, another one opens and now is the opportunity to start something fresh and build something special with the Raiders alongside my best friend Sia Soliola.”

Nuuausala and Soliola were childhood friends growing up in New Zealand. They opposed each other at a junior club level but grew to become close friends after playing in various district representative sides.

The closeness of their friendship deepened when Nuuausala migrated to Australia and joined Soliola at the Roosters in 2005. The pair, who has 17 New Zealand Test caps between them, then went onto play three seasons together at the tricolours before Soliola left to join St Helens in the English Super League.

“Sia and I have always been good mates since we were about eight years old in New Zealand,” Nuuausala said. “We used to play with and against each other as kids and over the years we really bonded and our friendship grew. He went to the Roosters first and I came over two years later and our friendship grew even more. He’s my best friend now.

“Playing with Sia is an unreal feeling; just the bond that we have and knowing that we have each other’s back no matter what is indescribable. Having him in the defensive line again will be awesome because he can really whack. People may have forgotten about Sia Soliola since he left for the English Super League but I guarantee you that people are soon going to remember how good he is. I believe he will put his stamp of authority onto the year.

REUNITED AT LAST

COVER STORY BY SIMON MCGUINNESS

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“When I first came down to Canberra I moved straight in with Sia. He was a big reason in why I came to the club, but he wasn’t the only reason; I see this club building towards great success in the future and we’ll start this year with the aim of making the top eight. It’s easy to say that but we’ll look to work hard and prove people wrong with our actions.”

“As much as I wanted him to come to Canberra, as a friend I just wanted him to be happy first and foremost,” Soliola said. “I was over the moon when he told me he was going to sign with the Raiders and it’s great to see how happy he is here and how focused he is on success.”

In Soliola’s absence at the Roosters, Nuuausala went onto win the 2013 NRL Grand Final whilst Soliola capped off his five year stint with St Helens by scoring a try in their 2014 Grand Final triumph.

Whilst both were overjoyed with each other’s accomplishments, they shared slight feelings of discontent in the fact that they hadn’t walked the lap of honour side-by-side.

The pair had dreamt of winning a premiership together since they were kids and now they plan on making that dream a reality by rebuilding the Raiders and ultimately winning the club’s first premiership since 1994.

“It will be special to play with him again and even more special to finish our careers off with a premiership ring around our fingers,” said Nuuausala, who came off the interchange bench in New Zealand’s 2010 Four Nations victory.

“With the talent we have here I do believe that we can make a run for the championship if we continue to work hard and improve each year. It all comes with discipline on and off the field though and buying into the culture that we’re trying to create here.

“What I’ve achieved before coming here doesn’t mean anything now; I want to earn the respect of my new team mates, the coaching staff and the Raiders fans. That’s my priority; to play good footy for Canberra and earn my stripes here in green.”

“We didn’t come here to waste our time or the club’s time, we want success,” added Soliola. “It’s a new chapter for us and it would mean absolutely everything to win a premiership with Franky.

“There’s nobody more that I’d love to do a lap of honour with than Franky. I was proud of him that he won the premiership at the Roosters but a little bit disappointed that I wasn’t doing the lap of honour out there with him.

“We’ve come here to win premierships and we truly believe that it’s Canberra’s turn to win a premiership. We’ve got the potential and we’re heading in the right direction as a group.”

ABOVESia wears the padded vest with hood from ISC Sport. Exclusively available at RaidersShop.com.au

$79

LEFTFrank-Paul wears the Raiders home jersey from ISC Sport. Available at RaidersShop.com.au or in-store at Jerseys Megastore.

$159 Mens $129 Ladies $129 Kids $79 Toddlers

PAGE LEFTSia wears training singlet and shorts, Frank-Paul wears training t-shirt and shorts all from ISC Sport. Available at RaidersShop.com.au or in-store at Jerseys Megastore.

$59 Training Singlet $69 Training T-shirt $59 Training Shorts

SUPPORT THE CLUBS SUPPORTING OUR CLUB.RAIDERS CLUBS ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE RAIDERS FAMILY.

2015 Raider Issue 2

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