Raiders netminder Ethan James says he can’t wait for the challenge of playing Sheffield Steeldogs and their team laden with top names.
The Romford side will be looking for a reaction after suffering two defeats to Telford Tigers last week, with Greg Wood’s side, fresh from a weekend off, coming next.
And James believes the experience of playing the likes of GB internationals Ben O’Connor, Liam Kirk and Jonathan Phillips can serve as a good thing for he and his team-mates’ development further down the line.
“I’m looking forward to facing Sheffield even with the amount of Elite players they’ve brought into the squad,” he told the Romford Recorder.
Raiders were beaten twice by Telford Tigers in their opening Spring Cup games (PHOTO: John Scott)
“I think it is a good challenge for players to showcase their abilities against some very experienced opponents.
“Throughout this series I believe that we can all learn by playing alongside elite players. This is going to not only improve us as a team but also improve us individually.”
A narrow 3-2 loss to Telford on Saturday on the road was followed up by a 5-2 home defeat, but James doesn’t believe Sean Easton’s men should change their approach.
He added: “I believe that the key thing going into a game like this is to not change your mindset. I will be taking each game as it comes throughout this series.
“I know that Sheffield are a strong team and will be our toughest challenge throughout, however I am looking forward to the challenge.”
THIS WEEKEND (Click the fixture for relevant streaming information)
