Greetings All, and Welcome to Season 2010, the International Year of Josh Miller (again)

I trust everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable Xmas / New Year break, and are well primed for a highly successful 2010 campaign for the Green Machine. Despite not making the finals in 2009, a lot of positives came out of the season. We saw the likes of Croker, Waddell, Dugan, Vidot and Thompson make the transition from Toyota Cup to First Grade, and all of whom were very impressive. With the likes of Fensom, Low and Brophy all pushing for first grade births this year, the future of the Raiders looks very healthy. Coach David Furner has completed his rookie year and will be much better for the experience. The roller coaster ride that is supporting the green kicks off on February 13th when the lads take on Western Suburbs (NSW Cup) at West Belconnen Leagues club. Then there is a “home” trial at Ballymore against the Broncos on February 20th and the final trial against the Bulldogs in Dubbo on Feb 27th. Then we kick off with a bang at Penrith Stadium in Round 1 against the Penny Panthers. Once again the NRL has decided not to give us a home game in Round 1, probably because the bumbies have a game that weekend in Canberra. I look forward to experiencing the highs and lows with you all over the coming months. Bring it on!

The Penrith Beach Tour 2010 Edition – Saturday March 13th

As you all should know, we will be taking on the Penrith Panthers in Round 1 on Saturday March 13th in Sydney. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30pm, and should be an absolute cracker. We have a decent record at Penrith (won in 2007 and 2008) and hopefully the boys can continue that good record in March. I have been liaising with Penrith HQ regarding this trip and the wheels are in motion for a pre-game function to be held at Panthers Leagues Club, which is adjacent to the stadium. The function would likely start around 5pm, so those that want to head over and watch the Toyota Cup will be able to do so with ease. I am expecting heavy interest in this trip, so be sure to secure your seat early. For the Sydney contingent, be sure to get as many mates as you can along, I want to see a sea of green on the hill.

Unfortunately, our next game in Sydney is against Parramatta on a Monday night, and thus the likelihood of taking a large contingent to the Eels game is not that great. So make sure you are on board this trip to Penrith!

To reserve your seat, please deposit $55 into the account below and send me an email when done. Please note that this covers your travel to and from the game, as well as a few beers on the way home. It does NOT include your ticket to the match. I have emailed the Panthers to see if discounts will be offered to Raiders members, and am very hopeful of securing $15 general admission tickets. I will keep everyone informed.

Account Name: Raiders Army
BSB: 805022
Account Number: 22497179
Please Note: If you are transferring from a CPS account, I will need to provide you with a different account number.

This will be large, get in!

Reminder to purchase / renew Membership

The club has recently hit the 3500 mark and are well on the way to reaching the lofty target of 6000 members. To all of you who haven’t yet renewed (and I know who you are and will soon be hassling you incessantly) get your wallet out and join up ASAP. For those who can get along to most games, the Green Bay 72 option is for you, and those that live interstate, purchase a Silver membership which gives you plenty of benefits and costs only $70.

Upcoming Raiders Fixtures

Round 1: Raiders v Panthers – Saturday March 13th, 7:30pm, Penrith Stadium
Round 2: Raiders v Broncos – Monday March 22nd, 7:00pm – Canberra Stadium
Round 3: Raiders v Titans– Saturday March 27th, 8:30pm (EDST) – Skilled Park
Round 4: Raiders v Tigers– Sunday April 4th, 3:00pm – Canberra Stadium
Round 5: Raiders v Eels – Monday April 12th, 7:00pm – Parramatta Stadium

BELIEVE in 2010

KW

I won't be on the bus but I'll be there.

Even my Japanese girlfriend who has never before heard the words 'rugby' nor 'league' is pumped for the occasion. She was watching my dvd of the Raiders win over the Broncos in 2008 the other night after wondering a few too many times why I have a green jumper with a Video Ezy logo hanging on our bedroom wall and apparently can't wait to "see them up close".

If any RA members are in our vicinity try not to laugh too hard if you hear someone asking "why they roll the ball between their legs", or "what the 'H' is for". Her cluelessness is far outweighed by her enthusiasm.

Why am i not surprised this is the type of girl you end up with mate

For anyone keen, me and my mates (who are all geared up for it) are going to be at panthers from about 2pm onwards (Midday is more likely but we'll say 2pm to be sure) down in TC's Sports Bar at Panthers (directly across the road from the Stadium on Mulgoa Rd.

Feel free to join in

might take you up on that. ill even skip the vodka jelly so i can last the distance.

Homie, ain't no way you're missing the vodka jelly, or a stop at the Wheelan. We will make it out to see Nick Flair at two, though, so I fully expect us to have to pour you through the gates at around 7:30

forgot about the whelan! yes, we shall start our pub crawl there

I will be there Nick. This match is going to be huge.

Can we drink on the way up?

If you're sneaky about it.

Don't tell me you're gonna come?? Trying to move up from Army Reserves finally???

vodka jelly, they wont know the difference.

just pre mixed some booze in a coke bottle and theyll never know any different

except now we do. frank will now not be allowed liquids of any kind on the bus.

and at which point do u plan on stoping me if i wanted to, you know i wasnt actully gonna drink on the way the up i was just throwing a suggestion to the people who read this but just to watch your magical powers of stoping me is going to very entertaining

better yet, maybe we'll just not let you on the bus at all and keep your money.

settle down frank, i was joking. save your anger for round 1

Maybe. Depends on wife, baby, business and dollars. Might rocket up in the blute. I'm keen for a few more games this year.

As for 'Army Reserve', you only use the heavy artillery sparingly.

Azz or Loz, any word on the hoodies?

Leethal's coming to penrith?

Im excited!

Half a chance, mate. Depends on the abovementioned factors.

Either way, I'm hoping to get to every home match this year. Loz splashed out on a season membership for the bub so I've got no excuse. Just need to know where the Bay 72 pram parking is at....

Naaaahhh come up on the bus. It's WAY more fun. And probs cheaper.

The production of the hoodies is going to be discussed at the RA AGM on Thursday. Will update you after that.

Won't be able to make it to Penrith as my gf is performing in the Short + Sweet festival at NIDA on that weekend. It's petty disappointing for both of us, but missing her show isn't really an option.

The next game I'll be able to get to will be Parramatta in Round 5, but I'm friends with the son of Terry Leabeater and I've been offered a spot in a box with free food and free booze so chances are I'll be watching the game from a vantage point where replays will be visible (remember the debacle last year...?).

hi all my new frends we had a good win tonighrt how do i jon the green army i have green going in my blud i am a raider till i dye dx sydney nsw :please e mail me eney time gang

wow..............just wow.

YOU'RE IN!

Just get started on the Campice banner and everyone will worship you.