Canberra's star off-season recruit Sisa Waqa has spoken of his enjoyment playing for the Raiders after his late try won them the game on Sunday night against the Sharks.
The former Roosters and Storm Premiership winner was a consistent and calming influence for the Green Machine in a scrappy and mistake-riddled contest.
"I was really excited and I just couldn't wait to come out and do my best and make sure I do my role and do it consistently throughout the 80 minutes. It was good to get the two points," Waqa told NRL.com about his first game for the Raiders.
Waqa was one of five experienced off-season recruits who featured in the Raiders new-look starting 17, with Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Blake Austin, Josh Hodgson and Iosia Soliola all making their debuts in green.
The 27-year-old Fijian believes the new faces brought a great balance to the side, with coach Ricky Stuart declaring after the match that it was a game that some Raiders sides of the past may not have held on to win.
"There are a few new faces in the side who did really well," Waqa said.
"It was a great performance from everyone. It was really good to get the two points."
It was far from a flawless performance from the Raiders and Waqa was quick to point out that they need to be better heading into their Round 2 clash with the Warriors on Sunday.
"We need to improve as a unit and as individuals on defusing those high kicks," he said.
"It's something that we've been working hard on through the pre-season especially with the back three, but it's still Round 1, there are heaps of things to improve and we're going to keep working on these areas."
