The mid-week axing of star fullback Josh Dugan was no excuse for the Raiders' pathetic performance on Sunday, Canberra veteran Shaun Berrigan says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
In their first game since Dugan was given his marching orders, the Raiders were held scoreless for the second time in as many seasons in a 36-0 belting at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans.
Berrigan said the Skilled Park shemozzle had little to do with Dugan having his contract torn up earlier in the week and Reece Robinson stepping into the No.1 jersey.
"To be fair I don't think it was that disruptive,'' Berrigan said. ''He wasn't at training all week anyway, it wasn't like he trained a couple of days and then pulled out.
''We had our side picked early in the week and Reece has played there a lot and has done a really good job there.''
Dugan is in the sights of St George Illawarra, but it is unlikely he would be in the Red V in time for what would be an emotion-charged return to Canberra Stadium next Sunday.
The Brisbane Broncos are also tipped to be keen on the one-time NSW custodian.
Raiders chief executive Don Furner has submitted a full report to the NRL detailing Dugan's previous history of off-field incidents, including ones not previously made public.
The NRL released a statement on Saturday, stating Dugan's registration with another club could be delayed depending on what information they receive from the Raiders.
While Robinson didn't have a huge impact against the Titans, an eye-catching piece of play midway through the second half showed a level of commitment in stark contrast to that of Dugan.
With the Raiders already down 30-0 and the game well and truly out of reach, Robinson sprinted 50 metres and mowed down opposite number William Zillman to prevent a certain try.
Like the previous week against the Panthers, the Raiders' biggest concern was simply keeping possession.
They completed just 23 of their 38 sets and found themselves time and time again defending on their own line.
"You get a little bit disheartened,'' Berrigan said.
''It must be very frustrating for Dave (coach David Furner) to watch that.
''We've had really hot days and the ball's been slippery, but it's the same for the other team.
''I don't know how long it's going to take for the penny to drop and do it (hold the ball), but we've got to do it soon.''
