The Canberra Raiders nearly caused the upset against Sydney last week and should be favoured to fire at home against the Canterbury Bulldogs in a big game for both sides. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEST.
Despite losing by six points to the Roosters, Canberra certainly showed enough to suggest that they have what it takes to sneak into the finals.
The Raiders will be desperate to turn up at home today, given that their last home outing saw them succumb to an historic defeat to Melbourne a fortnight ago.
With Blake Ferguson back to his best last week after a month out of action due to ill-discipline, Canberra certainly possess enough fire power to secure a much needed victory at home.
The Bulldogs are coming off a surprise loss to the Titans on Monday and really need to bounce back today to get their premiership campaign back on track.
Overall, today’s contest promises to be a very entertaining and high scoring affair.
Prediction
Origin stars Josh Papalii and Ferguson were superb against the Roosters last week and are the men most likely to spark Canberra to life against the Bulldogs today.
If Papalii and Ferguson can replicate their performances last week, Canberra possess enough fire power to secure a strong victory at home.
Ferguson in particular needs to be kept quite if the Bulldogs are a chance of securing the win. The NSW Origin centre scored two terrific tries against the Roosters and also had a hand in two others.
In short, if Ferguson plays well, the Raiders play well and they invariably go on to post big scores against their opposition.
If Ferguson is kept quiet, the Bulldogs will go a long way to denting a Raiders attack that can lose its way against an organised defensive line.
The Bulldogs will also look to dominate up the middle of the park with their extremely mobile pack.
Melbourne destroyed Canberra up the middle a fortnight ago and Canterbury will be looking to do the same here with Michael Ennis, James Graham, Tony Williams and Frank Pritchard leading the way.
Without Barba, Sam Kasiano and Greg Eastwood in the side however, the Bulldogs may struggle to score the points needed to keep Canberra at bay, especially if Raiders stars Ferguson and Papalii play well.
Raiders by six.
catcat
Guest
Happy hour
des' right hand
Guest
I am a manly fan and Im telling you that you are a degenerate loser what are you even implying who do you follow??? Speak worthless mule!!!
Chris
Guest
Sounds like a manly game
des' right hand
Guest
All the Bs aside this kid milford he is Amazing the skill level he has and the confidence he plays with! He will be a special player for years to come. Broncos are lucky to be getting him
Trent
Guest
we would've put 50 on the faiders @ full strength, easy..
Alan
Roar Guru
The Bulldogs have secured a very important victory over a Raiders team minus Ferguson and Campese. Bulldogs also missing Barba, Kasiano and Eastwood. Morris was superb today and was my man of the match. Perrett also finished up with a hat-trick. Reynolds once again tried very hard. The Raiders once again lose at home and now face another tough ask against Manly next week in Canberra. Bulldogs set up a great clash against South Sydney next week. ANZ stadium should at least have 40,000 I think for that contest. Raiders 16 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Reynolds chips over the top but Robinson gathers possession. Bulldogs secure a key victory here and should play finals footy FULLTIME Raiders 16 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Ennis down injured with seconds remaining Raiders 16 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Raiders still eager to score to their credit. Milford with the grubber but Hodkinson comes up with possession soon after Raiders 16 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL - Croker misses Raiders 16 Bulldogs 28 Well had the Williams try been awarded, this could have been a great finish. Good grubber from McCrone to set up his second try today.
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY RAIDERS - Wighton has a broken leg. Grubber is grounded now by Papalii who scores! Raiders 16 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Its been a sorry past three weeks for Canberra. Milford with a great pass to Croker who makes a break and he now gets the penalty for the Raiders who attack Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Hodkinson tackled over the halfway. Bulldogs victory sets up a corker against the bunnies at ANZ. Should be a big crowd surely. Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Chip over the top but Morris gathers possession and he has caused havoc today. Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Bulldogs looking to finish with a flourish. Lafai is tackled on the last and the Raiders get the turnover Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
Croker knocked the ball dead and the Bulldogs go back on the attack with the drop out. Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Tilse hammered by Pritchard as the Bulldogs muscle up in defence. They force a mistake and Reynolds toes the ball ahead but the ball goes dead. video referee Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Bulldogs up to the halfway as a kick finds touch. They are slowing the play down now Canterbury Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Inu with a massive drop out that goes 60 on the fly! Raiders on the attack though. A try here brings this contest to life somewhat. Milford looking for Earl but the pass is too quick. Bulldogs off the hook Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Bulldogs with a shallow kick off and the Raiders start a set in pretty good field position. Another quick try could make things interesting. Raiders over the halfway and in attacking position. McCrone chip kick and Brown is forced into touch! Great set from the Raiders and they will go back on the attack Raiders 12 Bulldogs 28