Roar Guru
The young Canberra Raiders are looking to make it two from two as they welcome the New Zealand Warriors to GIO Stadium. Join The Roar from 6.20pm (AEDT) for live scores and coverage.
The Warriors will be hoping Shaun Johnson is back on song after a dour second half performance in Newcastle last weekend.
In contrast, the young Raiders were able to grind out a victory over Cronulla last week with Mitchell Cornish and newcomers Sisa Waqa and Frank-Paul Nuuausala leading the way.
Canberra will stick with the same 17, as Jack Wighton avoided suspension with an early plea to a striking charge.
Former Origin prop David Shillington finds himself in NSW Cup for the second consecutive week.
As for the Warriors, Konrad’s Hurrell’s knee injury is a big loss, but they welcome back Sam Tomkins to fullback, shifting Tuimoala Lolohea to the centres alongside Solomone Kata.
New signing Jonathan Weight will also make his club debut from the wing.
The return of Tomkins and the non-suspension of Wighton creates an exciting matchup at the fullback position. Wighton was superb last week with two tries and 176 metres gained, despite 10 minutes in the sin bin. However Tomkins who provided 13 try-assists last season gives the Warriors an extra threat in attack.
Remarkably, the Warriors have only recorded a single victory in Canberra in the last 14 years. However that win came last season with a resounding 54-18 scoreline. In fact the Warriors have put 50 points or more on Canberra in their last three meetings.
Prediction: The Warriors were poor last weekend, whilst the Raiders were surprisingly impressive in defeating the Sharks. I’m leaning toward the Warriors bouncing back in a high-scoring game.
Warriors by 2.
In any case, it should be compelling viewing so join The Roar from 6:20 (AEDT) to follow our live coverage, and remember to leave your comments as the game progresses.