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Expect defence to be at a premium tonight as the Canberra Raiders play host to the North Queensland Cowboys in what should be an entertaining encounter. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.00pm AEST.
Fresh from a dominant display against the Wests Tigers last week, the Raiders have an opportunity to really build some momentum at home against the Cowboys.
Canberra was superb against the Tigers as they registered a 30-16 victory over the former premiership favourites.
In further good news for the Raiders, captain Terry Campese appears to have rediscovered his best form after a dominant display against the Tigers.
Campese was instrumental for Canberra last week, scoring a try after earlier setting up Josh McCrone and Jarred Croker for four pointers.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Cowboys are coming off a narrow loss to the Cronulla Sharks and face a tough ask against a Raiders side full of confidence.
To make matters worse, Cowboys halfback Johnathon Thurston was once again off his game last week, extending his indifferent start to the season.
North Queensland will certainly need Thurston fit and firing tonight if they are to escape the nation’s capital with the two competition points.
Prediction
The Raiders will simply look to repeat last week’s high-intensity performance against the Tigers, particularly up the middle of the park.
Canberra forwards Brett White, Bronson Harrison and Tom-Learoyd Lars all dominated upfront for the Raiders last week, and will look to lay a solid platform for Campese to shine.
On the back of a good go forward, Campese ranks as one of the most dangerous playmakers in the NRL due to his complete running, kicking and passing game.
Against the Tigers last week, Campese produced two wonderful passes to set up McCrone and Croker respectively, before taking on the line himself to score in the second half.
Campese can also spread the football very well early in the tackle count, so the Cowboys will have to be alert on the fringes during the opening stages of tonight’s match.
The Cowboys’ hopes tonight once again largely rest on the shoulders of Matt Bowen and Thurston.
Bowen has been terrific thus far for North Queensland, setting up two tries last week in a standout performance.
As mentioned earlier however, Thurston was quiet against Cronulla and needs to get more involved if the Cowboys are a chance of beating Canberra.
If Bowen and Thurston manage to click, this could end up being one of the matches of the season, given the attacking talent that both teams possess.
A slow start from the preceding duo however could very well see the Raiders notch up a big victory at home.
Raiders by 10.
Are the Raiders the real deal? It shapes as another cracker on Monday Night Football. Follow all of the action from 7.00pm AEST as we cover the match with live scores and commentary. If you’re watching, give us your thoughts in the space below.
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