Roar Guru
The Cronulla Sharks will hoping to make it six in a row when they take on the inconsistent Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium. Join us for live scores and commentary from 2.00pm AEST.
The Canberra Raiders are the Jekyll and Hyde of the NRL. One week they look unstoppable, the next unbackable. Which Canberra Raiders will turn up on Sunday?
Will it be the team that lacked determination and intensity last round against the Brisbane Broncos or the team that took the New Zealand Warriors to the cleaners in round six?
Injuries to key personal have not helped the Raiders this year and the season-ending injury sustained by star five-eighth Terry Campese against the Broncos will put plenty of pressure on replacement Sam Williams.
However, the return of defensive lynchpin Shaun Fensom should provide a timely boost to a Raiders forward pack that looked paper-thin when conceding 30 points against the Brisbane Broncos.
Rumours floating around in Canberra suggest star fullback Josh Dugan could make an early return against the Sharks.
His thrust and energy at fullback could provide the Raiders with the spark that will be lacking without Terry Campese running the show.
Who would have thought seven rounds into the competition that the Cronulla Sharks would be sitting third on the ladder?
The astute signings of forwards Bryce Gibbs and Ben Ross has beefed up the Sharks’ front row, while the acquisitions of playmakers Todd Carney and Jeff Robson has provided creativity previously lacking.
Carney in particular will be looking to continue the form that has seen him emerge as the main contender for the New South Wales five-eighth jersey.
A fine showing against one of his former clubs could prove to be decisive. The Raider’s will also have to keep an eye out for Cronulla backrower Jayson Bukuya who has hit a real peak of form with three tries in his last four.
If the Raiders can contain the likes of Bukuya and Carney while providing plenty of ball to their explosive backs, this match could be a high scoring explosive affair.
Can the Canberra Raiders thwart former player Todd Carney and stop the Cronulla Sharks from making it six in a row? Join us from 2.00pm AEST for live score updates and debate on our live blog, and be sure to give us your opinion in the space below if you are watching.