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Pride will be on the line for the Canberra Raiders as they take on the finals-bound Cronulla Sharks at Canberra Stadium. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7pm AEST.
The Raiders have endured a tumultuous end to the 2013 season.
In serious finals contention just a few weeks ago, the Green Machine were hit with a string of backline injuries, the sacking of coach David Furner, an ASADA infraction notice to Sandor Earl, the likely defection of rookie sensation Anthony Milford, and now (finally) the sacking of Blake Ferguson.
It has seen them crash out of the race with five consecutive losses, including a 68-4 massacre at the hands of Melbourne and a 50-16 defeat by the Warriors last week.
As they enter Round 26 with their 2013 hopes dashed, the home fans will be looking for a ray of hope for next season.
It won’t come in the form of under 20s NSW halfback Mitch Cornish, who was set to make his long-awaited first grade debut until it was blocked by the NRL due to salary cap restrictions.
With Sam Williams on the way to the Dragons and Josh McCrone being trialled at hooker, Cornish had an opportunity to stake his claim for a first grade spot in 2014. It’s a shame we won’t get to see the youngster in action.
The Raiders are yet to name their reshuffled line-up, but we can probably expect to see Milford or McCrone shift into the halves.
Whomever the Raiders put forth, they’ll benefit from facing a Sharks outfit missing three key forwards in Paul Gallen, Wade Graham and Jayson Bukuya.
The Sharks do, however, have playmaker Todd Carney back on deck, and frankly possess enough forward depth that their pack barely even strikes you as depleted.
It’s far from a critical game for the Shire boys – their home semi-final is already assured and although the Bulldogs’ loss to the Broncos means they can still finish fifth, it’s tough to say whether doing so will confer any real advantage.
No team wants to head into the semi-finals coming off a loss, however, so expect Shane Flanagan to have his men fired up and ready to take the two points.
Can the Raiders finish their season on a high, or will the Sharks march on with momentum into the 2013 finals?
Join us for live scores and commentary from 7pm AEST, and be sure to let us know your thoughts if you’re following along.
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