The Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers meet at GIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a clash that will have no impact on the top eight, but a big impact on each sides’ confidence heading into the off season. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:30pm (AEST).
The Canberra Raiders got across the line last week against an undermanned Cronulla Sharks side in the battle for the wooden spoon.
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They are a game clear from the bottom of the table now, but will need to make it two wins from two starts if they are to ensure the embattled Sharks are awarded the least desirable trophy in sport.
The Wests Tigers enter this match as one of the most out-of-form clubs in the competition.
Since their impressive win against the Bulldogs in Round 19, they have battled along, losing their last five on the trot.
During this stretch the Tigers have only managed to notch up a grand total of 38 points, while letting 198 be scored against them!
Their once tight grip on finals footy has well and truly slipped through their fingers, so this week it is simply pride that the Tigers will be playing for.
Excluding the Dragons in Round 20, the sides that have pummelled the Tigers are all set to feature at the business end of the season. You could argue then that this makes the losses more acceptable.
However, there would be little silver lining to find with a loss to a cellar dweller side such as the Raiders.
The Raiders win against the Sharks last round was the only taste of victory either of these sides have experienced in weeks, but one will be enjoying the flavour once again by Saturday night.
Can the Raiders make it two from two?
Or will the Tigers show they are still a step above the competition’s true cellar dwellers?
Join The Roar for live scores from 5:30pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
steveng
Guest
Ricky will get them back working and making the 8 next year, you mark my words? lol
Jono
Guest
Good work by the Raiders. They were against a side that is as down in the dumps as they were for a second week in a row and they again came out on top. Far from perfect and they did beat a side that's lost around half a dozen in a row so it isn't clear sailing and blue skies, but it is at least a tiny ray of sunshine in an otherwise stormy and horrible year.
jamesb
Guest
Crowd at Canberra, 8,287 Cornish, Wighton and Milford played well for Canberra, while for the Tigers, Austin tried hard for 80.
jamesb
Guest
Buttriss gives a pass to Milford to score. Buttriss could have scored himself. Croker gets the conversion. Can 27 Tigers 12 FT Game over
jamesb
Guest
Milford with a field goal. The game is Canberra's. Can 21 Tigers 12 '78
jamesb
Guest
Austin nearly scores an unlikely try, alas he drops the ball over the line Can 20 Tigers 12 '76
jamesb
Guest
Tigers need to score ASAP Can 20 Tigers 12 '75
jamesb
Guest
Now Canberra knock on from the kick off. What is going on here. However, the Tigers grasped the opportunity with their own dropped ball Can 20 Tigers 12 '70
jamesb
Guest
The Tigers have done exactly the same thing as the Raiders. Knock on from the kick off, then concede a try to Papalli. Croker gets the crucial conversion Can 20 Tigers 12 '68
jamesb
Guest
Milford knocks on from the kick off. Tigers score a try through Taupau. Richards converts Can 14 Tigers 12 '64
jamesb
Guest
Richards knocks on with Canberra on the attack here. However, the Tigers concede a penalty with Canberra opting for a shot at goal Croker converts Can 14 Tigers 6 '60
jamesb
Guest
Richards converts Can 12 Tigers 6 Game on '58
jamesb
Guest
Austin scores for the Tigers Can 12 Tigers 4 With a kick to come
jamesb
Guest
Canberra's defence continues to hold out the tigers Can 12 Tigers 0 '55
jamesb
Guest
Tigers putting in sustained pressure here with Canberra been forced a goal line drop out Can 12 Tigers 0 '48
jamesb
Guest
Canberra have started the second half with a 50 metre run from Wighton. Raiders looking to seal the deal early here Can 12 Tigers 0 '44
jamesb
Guest
Well that's the end of the first half with Canberra leading the Wests Tigers 12-0. Tries to Tupou and Wighton, with Croker converting both tries. For Canberra, I feel that Cornish and Wighton are having good games, while for the Tigers, late bloomer, Hitchcox is also having a good game. Just repeating the half time score, its: Can 12 Tigers 0 HT
jamesb
Guest
Tigers need to score before half time. Can 12 Tigers 0 '38
Liatrevlis
Guest
That sound is Ricky pumping his chest , oh dear someone get me a panadol
jamesb
Guest
Wighton scores for Canberra Can 10 Tigers 0 Crocker converts Can 12 Tigers 0 '35