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.
Jack
Guest
Warriors*
Joe
Roar Rookie
Jeez the Storm sure are missing Sisa Waqa. He's been pretty good for the Raiders in the past two games. Just gives that try scoring option off the kick with his aerial skills.
big show
Guest
Parrafan fair enough
Parrafan
Guest
Big Show, I enjoy a good Ricky bashing as much as the rest, however the Raiders seem to be going okay at this point in time. They have competed in both games so far, and looked a hell of a lot better than the Sharks last week. Their halves are actually taking control of games and their forwards are making metres. This early in the season Ricky gets a pass. His press conference wasn't bad. His statement was that he doesn't mind losing if the effort was their and the players are filthy with themselves for not capitalizing on opportunities and letting off defensively for a small period of time. They have a way to go but are going in the right direction and I'll give Ricky compliments for that.
big show
Guest
George w if you watch ricky stuarts press conferences in his last 5 years of coaching it's comedy gold and pathetic Those 15 excuses always come to mind He coached the roosters to 3 grand finals but only won 1 with all the origin stars Since then 8 coaching seasons only made the finals once in 2008
George W
Guest
I think people should look at why they are so unhappy and resolve those issues, rather than being constantly critical of Ricky Stuart. If he's so bad, why not just appreciate that he's not the coach of your team?
little mac
Guest
Well said big show Ricky stuart is the excuse king of the decade
big show
Guest
Geoff from bruce stadium How can ricky stuart be happy he must be because of last weeks win Ricky stuart should become a comedian he's so funny and pathetic If they lose to the dragons. Then. Every raiders fans at the game should ask for a refund policy Just can't lose these type of games and I agree with you the new recruits played well tonight
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
I'd like to see Shillington back in the team. Not sure what is going on there. Sounds as though he busted his thumb for the Mounties so he may be out for a while. Surely he has to be one of the first picked if fit. Soliola and FPN have brought a lot of mongrel to the team while young Boyd was bending the line. Just need the halves to gel together to get the attack firing. Early days.
The eye
Guest
yep,Rickys got them going as well as they possibly can..look generally organized,Austin allowed to run the football looks far better than I gave him credit for..Soliola a clever buy,pommie hooker isnt letting anyone down and Waqa is a lot more confident than he was at the Storm. Dont know what Shillingtons done,but youd think theyd be even stronger with him in the squad..they were right in that today..
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Rubbish. Ricky Stuart was actually pretty happy with the Raiders tonight and for good reason. I went to the game and apart from 5 minutes after half time the Raiders matched the Warriors for the other 75 minutes. One error from Paul Vaughan and a better jump at the ball by Hoffman over Wighton decided the game. If the Raiders continue to show this sort of grit and determination they will be in a lot more games this year. All 5 of the Raider recruits were outstanding tonight - Austin, Hodgson, Soliola, Waqa, and FPN. Have to give the Warriors credit though - their defence was excellent even if they were testing the 10 metre rule. Austin made a couple of good breaks and the Raiders could have scored if he had someone following in support. Jack Wighton take note.
big show
Guest
Sylvestor I agree with you it was entertaining and always is when the warriors really take the game to the opposition Raiders were ok in defence tonight. But just not enough composure when they had the ball
Sylvester
Guest
The Warriors defence was immense. Both sides wasted way too much ball but it was at least entertaining.
big show
Guest
Raiders fans should ask for a refund policy Ricky stuart excuses are comedy gold and pathetic 1 The dog ate my game plan 2 Were not first grade standard 3 No one wants to play for us 4 It's not my fault we lost by 50 5 We don't have origin stars 6 It's too cold 7 It's too hot 8 it's raining 9 it's slippery 10 We got robbed 11 We're in new zealand 12 we're on channel 9 13 the bus broke down 14 I got abused on social media 15 the wind
James Silver
Roar Guru
So in a game featuring many changeovers the Warriors have prevailed 18 points to 6. Both teams have now won 1 out of 2, and both will be at home on Saturday next weekend. The Raiders take on the Dragons, whilst the Warriors play host to the Eels. Just four unbeaten teams remain in the competition: Panthers, Rabbitohs, Knights and Tigers. Join the Roar tomorrow night as the Tigers take on the Dragons. Thank you for joining me on this live blog!
James Silver
Roar Guru
Ben Matulino is awarded the Man of the Match for fronting up in defence. Blake Austin: 'We just clocked off, and we can't do that.'
James Silver
Roar Guru
It was six apiece at half-time. The game was won in the first five minutes of the 2nd half, as the Warriors piled on two converted tries. From there the Raiders threatened, but the Warriors defence was very resilient, in contrast to their performance against Newcastle lat weekend.
James Silver
Roar Guru
FULL TIME - Cordish is wrapped up by Bodene Thompson, and that will do it. Raiders 6 Warriors 18
James Silver
Roar Guru
79' Croker offloads while about to be bundled into touch, but Tomkins scoops up the pass, and the Warriors will leave Canberra with a victory. Raiders 6 Warriors 18
James Silver
Roar Guru
79' Penalty against Townsend, Raiders tap 20m out. Raiders 6 Warriors 18