After losing six of their first eight club games with the Raiders, they found themselves in a Country outfit that copped a 40-18 hiding at the hands of City in Orange last night.

The trio was instrumental in guiding Country to a 12-0 lead midway through the opening half of the annual NSW selection trial, but from there City ran riot.

Fortunately for Tongue, Monaghan and Campese, last night was as much about individual performances as it was about the result.

And all three of the Raiders made compelling cases for NSW selection.

None was more impressive than Tongue, the courageous Raiders skipper, who after nine years of first-grade football finally got his chance on the big stage and proceeded to play one of the best games of his career.

Tongue displayed all the traits he has built his reputation on last night.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times