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Canberra backrower Kris Kahler says the Raiders have absolutely no reason to under-estimate the Brisbane Broncos in Saturday night?s match at Canberra Stadium.
Kahler, who has played every NRL match with the Raiders this season, was a member of the ?Baby Broncos? team that had a famous 28-14 win over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium in 2002.
Kahler was one of six Broncos to make his NRL debut that night, with the Brisbane team missing nine players on State of Origin duty and another six players because of injury.
The Broncos will be missing six players on Origin duty this Saturday night, but Kahler and his Raiders teammates are well aware of Brisbane?s depth in 2005.
This week?s Broncos squad still contains six players with Origin experience, including former Australian players Shane Webcke, Brent Tate and Darren Smith.
?It?s as good a time as any to get the Broncos when they don?t have Darren Lockyer, but they?ve still definitely got a dangerous side,? Kahler said. ?It?s a great side on paper and we?ll have to treat them like they?re at their best.
?It?s a really important game for us, with our situation at the moment. We?ve lost three in a row and we need to get some momentum back.?
Kahler only played that one NRL match for the Broncos, switching to the Raiders in 2003. The 22-year-old has since played 17 NRL games for the Raiders and has been one of the most improved players for the club this season.
?Last year when I came into the top-grade squad I felt like a fill-in player, but now I?m much more comfortable in the squad,? Kahler said. ?I feel like I really am part of it and it gives me lots more confidence.?
The Raiders-Broncos match kicks-off at 5.30pm at Canberra Stadium. It will be preceded by the Raiders v Balmain Tigers in Jersey Flegg at 1.50pm, and a Canberra Raiders Cup match between the Queanbeyan Blues and West Belconnen Warriors at 3.30pm.