Round 19 - Raiders vs Eels

The day started off a positive one as soon as I discovered that the game was a 5:30 kick off and considering I had plans for later in the night, this meant I'd be able to comfortably enjoy both of them. Well, comfortably enjoy is a bit of an over statement. Countless dropped balls, silly penalties and missed opportunities made the game that much more difficult to watch. The weather really wasn't on Parra's side too and I can only imagine how much they were struggling with the vicious conditions so regardless of any of the errors and the final result, I really have to commend every player for fighting through and battling through the pain the weather would've been providing.

All I can really say is that at least I'm seeing effort. They are trying and they're getting results through the final scores, just not the 2 premiership points. At this point in the season, some more wins would make it more enjoyable as a fan but it's really not that important anymore. Considering there's a very, very low chance of them even avoiding the wooden spoon let alone making the final eight, it's reassuring to see that they are looking to improve. It shows that despite everything this season, they still care and that's all I can ask for now.

Following my tradition of tweeting Darcy after the game, I sent out a tweet to share my true beliefs of how I feel he did during the game. And like always, he never disappoints as he sends off a quirky reply. Regardless of the fact that I'm a huge fan of his, Darcy is really impressing me at lock. As soon as Ricky made the decision to switch him to lock, which allowed him to start the games, he's been showing nothing but positive signs. The fact that he's played at least 60 minutes every game at lock besides last night really shows how much he's loving the switch too and his form has been showing it. I couldn't be more proud.

I was also very impressed with Luke Kelly. I thought he had quite a solid kicking game and he's really showing Ricky that he wants that halfback spot and considering the way he's gone the past two weeks, I think Chrissy Sandow is going to have to make himself quite comfortable in that Wenty uniform. That is if he decides to man up and play for them of course.

There was no one that I was extremely disappointed with too which made me feel so relieved as a fan. Throughout the years I have been very, very critical of Ben Roberts and Joseph Paulo but last night, I had no reasons to curse their names and throw my arms up in anger which is always nice.

I'm slowly feeling the affects of having to wait another week for the next Eels game but I'm very excited for the annual Bandage Bear cup match against the Bulldogs. It always turns out to be a good match and it's for an even more amazing cause. Bring on the doggies.

In other news, I go back to uni tomorrow. Please all take a moment to cry for me.

Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra
- Victoria