Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors highlights: Raiders win in golden point

Roar Guru

23rd July, 2016

5945 Reads

Kickoff: 3pm (AEST)
Venue: GIO Stadium
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Last meeting: Canberra 38 – 12 Warriors
Referee: Ben Galea
Head-to-Head: Warriors 16, Canberra 15
Betting: Canberra $1.45, Warriors $2.85
Last five rounds: Canberra ByeWWWBye, Warriors WLWByeL
Teams:

Canberra Raiders
1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Shaun Fensom

Interchange: 14. Iosia Soliola 15. Luke Bateman 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Joseph Tapine

Coach: Ricky Stuart

New Zealand Warriors
1. David Fusitua 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. James Gavet 11. Bunty Afoa 12. Ryan Hoffman (c) 13. Simon Mannering.

Interchange: 14. Tuimoala Lolohea 15. Sam Lisone 16. Ben Matulino 17. Jazz Tevaga

Coach: Andrew McFadden

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The Raiders head to Brookvale, looking to lock in a top-two finish against the struggling Sea Eagles. (Digital Image by Robb Cox ©nrlphotos.com)

John Coomer

Roar Guru

23rd July, 2016

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5945 Reads

Match result:

The Canberra Raiders have moved into the NRL’s top four – for now, at least – with a golden point win over the New Zealand Warriors.

» Click here to read the full match report

Final score
Raiders 26
Warriors 22

Match preview:

The fifth-placed Canberra Raiders host the eighth-placed New Zealand Warriors in Round 20 at GIO Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEST).

It’s a crucial match for both teams, with the Raiders eyeing a top four spot and the Warriors clinging desperately to eighth on for and against. A loss would almost certainly see them drop out of the top eight, with both Penrith and St George breathing down their necks.

The Raiders should be freshened up after a bye last week, and backrower Josh Papalii and young interchange forward Luke Bateman both return from injury. Sia Soliola drops out of the Canberra starting line-up to accommodate Papalii, while Clay Priest drops off the bench.

The Warriors are coming off a heart-breaking golden point loss to Manly in Perth last week, and coach Andrew McFadden has made just one change to his team. Prop Jacob Lillyman returns from Queensland State of Origin duty and replaces the suspended Charlie Gubb. Tui Lolohea has once again been named on the bench.

Canberra will have fond memories of the last time the two teams met back in Round 11, when they belted the Warriors 38-12 in New Zealand. The Raiders have the second-best attacking record in the NRL this season, averaging 25 points a game, and they’ll be sure to test the Warriors’ defence at every opportunity.

Prediction
The Raiders haven’t played finals football since 2012, while the Warriors haven’t played in September since 2011. Both teams will be desperate for the win to consolidate their top eight positions, but Canberra’s season is building momentum and they should win at home.

Join The Roar at 3pm AEST for live score updates and debate in our live blog.

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