Keeping a lid on expectations ahead of Canberra’s first grand final in 25 years will be easy, coach Ricky Stuart says.
The wily Raiders mentor has been quick to play the underdog card ahead of Sunday’s NRL decider, saying his side is feeling no pressure before lining up against defending champions, the Sydney Roosters.
Stuart admitted the lead-up to last week’s sold out home preliminary final against South Sydney was tough.
And pressure was expected to only intensify on Canberra, after they sent the nation’s capital into raptures by downing the Rabbitohs 16-10 and booking their first season decider since 1994.
But Stuart claims the Raiders are relaxed, saying no one gives them a chance of stopping the Roosters becoming the first team to win consecutive titles since Brisbane in 1992-93.
“It will be easy for us because there is no expectation on us,” Stuart told Fox League’s NRL 360.
“There is no pressure on the boys at all.
“Last week was a difficult one. I think the preliminary final is probably the hardest game to play in because you know what the prize is after it.
“But it will be a lot easier this week.”
Ignoring the hype in Canberra may be easier said than done judging by the delirious scenes at GIO Stadium after their stirring preliminary final victory.
More green sausages and lime milk are set to inundate the nation’s capital as the Raiders look to claim only their fourth title and first since 1994.
But Stuart says his message to his players preparing for the rare premiership chance would be simple.
“I want the boys to enjoy it,” he said.
“You’ve got a lot of extra attention this week with media appearances, the boys have got different functions they have to attend, and you can’t let the disturbances outside of training disrupt you.
“But I was talking to a few of the players and I just sense a very relaxed footy team.
“We are not expected to win. There is nothing there to say that there is pressure on our squad to go to this grand final and upset the Roosters because they are the favourites and they deserve that.
“It is something that helps me with our preparation.”
While Stuart reckons the Raiders have been written off, the Canberra mentor is confident of giving their fans more to cheer about on Sunday.
“We need to improve again. We are playing against a footy team that are very classy, they are a very powerful club,” said Stuart, who coached the Roosters from 2002-06 winning one title.
“(But) I believe in every one of my players, and they know that. I believe we are a very good football team and I know we are in this up to our necks.
“A lot of the experts don’t think that but I believe we are.”
