Raiders Prepare for a Sacred Pilgrimage to Their 'Spiritual Home'
A Ground steeped in rugby league history, the Seiffert Oval, is the birthplace of the Green Machine's golden era. This fortress, a stronghold for the premiership-winning class of 1989, witnessed the green jerseys filling the sideline fence and the iconic 30-cent sausage roll. The Raiders, led by Ricky Stuart, face the Storm on Friday in a Witzer Pre-Season Challenge match at this very oval, a place that former players hold dear as their 'spiritual home'.
Laurie Daley, a premiership-winning centre, describes the Seiffert Oval as a boutique stadium with an intimidating atmosphere. It was a place where the Raiders, after a grand final loss in 1987 and a semi-final in 1988, found hope and optimism. The club's sudden surge in popularity saw five or six thousand fans watching the second half of the U/23s, and the crowd grew even larger by the time the first grade match began. The 1989 grand final victory brought the community together, giving the town something to be proud of.
The Seiffert Oval was the Raiders' home from 1982 to 1989, with a record of 52 wins, 45 losses, and a draw. Gary Belcher, a club legend, recalls his debut at Seiffert, a 26-20 loss to Balmain. His memories are filled with training stories and the 'Taj Mahal', a portable house for players, which provided meals and entertainment. Belcher reflects on the team's transformation from a defeatist attitude to a winning mentality, with the arrival of young talents like Laurie, Glenn Lazarus, Brad Clyde, and Ricky.
Belcher highlights a memorable game against the Broncos in 1989, where the Raiders won 27-6 in front of a record crowd. He recalls the team's strategy, the challenging weather conditions, and the satisfaction of outperforming Wayne Bennett's team. The Seiffert Oval, with its thicker grass, allowed the Raiders to take over in the second half, putting pressure on their opponents.
Glenn Lazarus, a five-time premiership-winning prop, grew up supporting and playing for the Queanbeyan Blues. He recalls a special moment when the Blues threw footballs into the crowd, and he managed to keep one from the bigger kids. Lazarus made his debut for the Raiders in 1987 and became a key player, scoring a try in the 1988 President's XIII match. He cherishes his memories of the oval, where he witnessed touring teams and the KB Cup competition.
Lazarus, who returned to Canberra in 2022, relishes catching up with former teammates and reliving the glory days. He emphasizes the special bond formed by winning a grand final, especially with the local players who grew up in Queanbeyan and Canberra. The 1989 premiership, in particular, brought a sense of pride and celebration to the city.
As the rugby league season continues, the Seiffert Oval remains a significant part of the Raiders' history, a place where legends were made and a community came together to celebrate their love for the sport.
