'Missed opportunities': Similar story for Raiders as season ends in disappointment

It was one of a number of errors from the representative fullback in the Peter McDonald Premiership final round fixture on August 11, but he was able to brush them aside and score a crucial double in a 34-30 win over the Macquarie Raiders.

The performance from Parkes was far from perfect but the mood in their camp at full-time was vastly different to that of the Raiders.

Having battled inconsistency and injury woes for much of the season, Macquarie went into their Indigenous round fixture knowing a win was needed if they were any chance of making finals.

The presence of Australian international Latrell Mitchell and Rabbitohs teammate Isaiah Tass added extra motivation, and half-time things were firmly in the balance.

Parkes led by just six at the break and with word spreading Wellington was headed for a loss at Forbes, all the Raiders had to do was get in front to leapfrog the Cowboys into eighth place.

At 30-all inside the final 10 minutes that hope was very much alive, but then Dwyer crossed out wide to silence those in blue.

"We were lucky to win that," Dwyer said at full-time.

"But we dug deep and got it done. It's always hard playing over here but we won't take much from that. We'll go again next week."

After finishing third, Parkes will head to Apex Oval again next weekend for a qualifying semi-final clash with second-placed Dubbo CYMS.

The Spacemen were all too aware they will need to be better in that fixture, with Dwyer one of many eager to lift his own performance levels.

"It was a mixed bag for myself," Dwyer said of his efforts on Sunday.

"I've been in a bit of bloody poor form, in my own opinion. But I just try to keep moving forward.

"It's one of those things, if you think about it too much it can get the better of you so I'm always aware of that but I am pretty critical of myself.

"I just do my best to prepare every week for the boys."

Dejected Raiders captain-coach Jack Kavanagh wasn't too keen on speaking post-game, but club president Jarryd Meredith summed up the feeling of the team.

"There were some pretty sombre boys in the sheds," Meredith said.

"They were pretty disappointed, not just in that game but reflecting back on the season. They were some missed opportunities.

"They were definitely disappointed."

Halfback Jason Boney was among the Raiders who spoke to the players after the game and said the final round reflected much of the side's season.

Macquarie was strong in patches, with their attack particularly impressive at times in the second half after they trailed 24-18 at the break.

But, as has been the case all year, injuries and ill-discpline played a role as key duo Tyson Fuller and Billy Gilbert failed to finish the match while back-rower Jack Kempston was sin-binned after a string of penalties during a crucial period of the second half.

"It's something we've spoken about regularly. You don't want to make excuses but it was just one of those seasons where some of our key players had long-term injuries and 'Kav' (Kavanagh) getting suspended for five weeks," Meredith said.

"We just couldn't get the same team on the paddock throughout the season and that probably hurt us in a lot of games."

As disappointing as the final result was for the Raiders, there was still plenty to proud of from a club point of view.

Each of three lower grade teams will play finals - the Raidettes league tag outfit finished as minor premiers - while the presence of someone like Rabbitohs star Mitchell at Apex Oval was a real hit with fans of all ages.

"It was a great day," Meredith said.

"Indigenous round and having someone like Latrell Mitchell there, the kids just swarmed him.

"We've still got three sides in the competition so there's a silver lining there and we're excited for what they can do in the finals."