Palmerston Raiders retained the Mitchell Russell Shield in emotional showdown with Litchfield Bears
TOTAL buy-in from players old and new saw Palmerston Raiders retain the Mitchell Russell Shield with a 40-6 win over Litchfield Bears in Round 4 of the NRL NT
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TOTAL buy-in from players old and new saw Palmerston Raiders retain the Mitchell Russell Shield with a 40-6 win over Litchfield Bears in Round 4 of the NRL NT.
Mitchell Russell played for both Palmerston and Litchfield in a promising league career which was tragically ended by a road accident in 2014.
And in remembrance the two clubs play an annual game in his honour with Palmerston winning the Shield back from Litchfield in 2020.
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Raiders’ coach Merg Mikaelian was proud with the effort shown by his undefeated side with players old and new rising to the occasion of the important match-up.
“We were pleased to retain the Mitch Russell Shield, it’s one of the highlights of the season and important for the club and players,” Mikaelian told the NT News.
“It’s a really strong meaningful game that pays respect to him and his family who were a part of both clubs.
“It’s a game that holds strong value for the local guys who played with him and one that everyone prepares well for. And the newer guys embraced it as well which really impressed and shows that they’ve taken on our club philosophies.”
Star recruit Tom Murphy gave a strong 80-minute showing at hooker standing in as captain in the injury absence of both Alex Johnson and Ed Murphy.
Blake Fletcher also continued his fine start to the season in the halves directing play and allowing the powerful Raiders’ forward contingent opportunities to play to their strengths.
“We just played to our strengths, playing through the middle and making strong changes on the interchange,” Mikaelian said.
“Our strong forwards led the way and we managed to find time on the ball turning Lichfield over on a few times over.
“I’ve been reasonably pleased with what we’ve managed so far,” Mikaelian said.
“Our structures and game plan is coming together though we’re not 100 per cent to where we want to be.
“Attitude and intent has really impressed me with our next phase of games focusing on execution in key areas particularly around defence.”
Next up for Raiders is Northern Sharks who currently sit third on the table following a 40-6 win over South Darwin.
The Sharks have pinned themselves as a prime finals contender in recent weeks and will be wanting to keep their run of wins alive against the undefeated Raiders.
“Sharks are a balanced side who can bring it up front but also shift the ball quickly out to their edges,” Mikaelian said.
“We will have to be on the ball against them and to that we will need to have a big emphasis on first contact defence which has been a bit disappointing at times.”
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