Raiders forced to scrap game-day plan

CANBERRA has accused the Queensland government of being “nonsensical, putting their feet up and not caring” after the Raiders’ preparation for Saturday’s preliminary final was thrown into chaos.

It prompted irate Canberra coach Ricky Stuart to state: “It’s just another punch in the head.”

Last-minute red tape from the Queensland government forced Canberra’s travel schedule to be scrapped.

The Raiders had planned a 10am flight to Brisbane on Friday, with players to drive directly to the Pullman Hotel in King George Square, where they were to eat lunch together, have massages and rest before heading to Suncorp Stadium about 4pm.

Canberra undertook the same game-day program last week before playing Sydney Roosters at the SCG.

Those plans have now been scuppered with the Raiders departing Canberra Airport just before 3pm and then being driven straight to the ground in Brisbane.

Queensland’s government has been accused of ignoring multiple NRL protocol requests over Canberra’s desire to enter the state early on game day. The government finally responded at 3pm on Wednesday but sought answers by the close of business, 5pm, on the same day.

The government, among a long list of requests, wanted COVID tests for all hotel staff at the Pullman.

“It’s very disappointing. Their bureaucrats have put up their feet ... and couldn’t be bothered going through some standard paperwork,” Raiders CEO Don Furner said.