Rugby League: Raiders, Lions should provide fitting Carlaw Park finale

By PETER JESSUP

League great Artie Beetson saw Mt Albert play Hibiscus Coast in their Bartercard Cup minor final a fortnight ago and rated the game better than anything he has seen in Queensland Cup state competition this season.

The two sides go head-to-head again today in the grand final of the national competition and another cracker is promised in one of the final games to be played at home of the game at Carlaw Park.

There were only two points in it last time, and coaches Tony Benson at the Raiders and the Lions' John Ackland have too much respect for each other's outfits to call a win on today's season-ender.

The Raiders have the big-game history, are defending champions, and finalists two years running.

The Lions are the huge improvers, moulding enthusiastic young players around the experience, guile and kicking games of Ben Lythe and Steve Buckingham.

Hibiscus have the bigger forward pack and will gain the services of Iafeta Palea'aesina if he is not used by the Warriors. The NRL experience of skipper Anthony Seuseu, big Palea'aesina and newcomer Karl Te Mata - who was called up against Wests Tigers - may be enough to tip the balance.

Benson rates their fullback Daniel Floyd a good bet to push Brent Webb for the Warriors job next season, Floyd being an elusive kick-return runner and support player in the mode of Darren Lockyer. He'd be hoping for a dry track to show his skills.

The Raiders have enjoyed a close association with the Warriors this season, one other clubs are jealous of. Benson said there were no secrets. They invited Warriors coaching staff to watch their trials and had been on good terms since as players moved in and out of the elite training or NRL squad. The experience of those working with the Warriors and the step up they take lifted the others when they returned to the Raiders, he said.

Back utility David Myles will bolster the Lions in what will be the last game he plays in Auckland under his Warriors contract. Former Warriors centre/second rower Peter Lewis has been one of the rocks of their pack.

The task for the Raiders is simple: Dominate up front and cut off the time Lythe and Buckingham have to run the game.

For the Lions, it is work around the ruck to test the speed of the bigger Raiders, plus a kicking game to keep them turning.

Predictions?

Benson: "It'll be one of the best games you'll see. Both sides are fit, match-hard, skilful and passionate."

Ackland: "Close and hard."