Leichhardt Oval will play host to its first fixture of 2015 as the old Tigers vs Raiders rivalry of yesteryear takes shapes at the iconic venue. Join The Roar from 1.50pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
Although they are no longer the powerhouses of the competition as they once were in the late 80’s and early 90’s, these two young and improving clubs will be out to prove they are a top eight threat this season.
Despite a disappointing trip to New Zealand resulting in a 32-22 defeat, Jason Taylor has remained loyal to the same 17, along with the addition of hooker Joel Luani to an extended bench.
Fullback James Tedesco, who has been in imperious form is the main threat for the Raiders to deal with. Tedesco is perhaps playing with a chip on his shoulder after it was revealed a few weeks ago that he was not in Laurie Daley’s Origin plans at the time. However with 38 tackle breaks so far this season, 12 more than the next best in the competition, Daley may have to re-think his plans for game one.
Jason Taylor will lineup against Ricky Stuart in the coaches box for the first time with their current clubs, after several clashes in the early 90’s between Taylor’s Magpies and Stewart’s Raiders.
Similarly, Ricky Stuart has also opted to stick with the same 17, despite a gutsy 14-10 defeat at home to the Storm. This means that Shaun Fensom and Josh Hodgson should both lineup on Sunday, despite hobbling off with lower leg injuries in Canberra. Jordan Rapana has been named as 18th man in his return from suspension.
Despite Ricky Stuart hailing his sides performance last week as ‘perhaps the best of their season’ the Raiders must fix their second half woes. They have scored a competition-worst 18 points in the second half this season, which averages to just three points a game.
Prediction:
While a close contest should ensue between two improving teams, I expect the atmosphere of the Leichhardt faithful to lift their side to victory on Sunday.
Tigers by 12.
In any case, it should be compelling viewing so join The Roar from 1:50 (AEST) to follow our live coverage, and remember to leave your comments as the game progresses.
The eye
Guest
youd think the obstruction rule would be used when there is an actual obstruction..whacky..Vossy wrongly pre empting the video ref decision was hilarious..
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Fantastic come back from the Raiders. They looked shot after 20 minutes. To keep the Tigers scoreless after that was amazing. Kurt Baptiste was a dynamo at hooker. He changed the momentum of the game when he came on. His combination with Hodgson looks promising for the rest of the season. Frankie PN was a beast and Papalii, Soliola and Vaughan had great games.
Jono
Guest
If you asked a NRL fan who they think can come back from a 22 - 0 deficit to win one of the last teams they would pick would be the Raiders yet somehow they managed it. It was looking like it was going to be a bloodbath, but somehow they turned it around starting with a surprise try to Boyd. I thought that with the refs giving the Tigers extra sets from not knock ons by the Raiders close to the line that they would crack and the Tigers would win that, but luckily it didn't happen. Lots of good performances across the park. Rapana looks like he could be something special, but they need to fix his defence up and get him to work on his ball control. He has probably close to the best attacking stats for the backs, but also the highest number of errors. Vaughn continued his good form, though why no one wanted to correct Anasta on FoxSports to get him to stop calling him Michael Vaughn I don't know. Special mention to Dane Tilse who played his last match for the Raiders. Put in 10 years of service at the club and glad the team managed to send him off with a victory. Wish him good fortune over in the Super League.
MJB
Guest
Wait, what? The Brumbies lose at home to the Rebels, and the Raiders beat the Tigers at Leichhardt? It must be opposite weekend in Canberra.
James Silver
Roar Guru
That's all from me today after a remarkable match at Leichhardt Oval. Be sure to follow the Roar's coverage of the Knights up against the Eels starting now. Tigers 22 Raiders 30
James Silver
Roar Guru
Well, what a comeback that was! Down 22-0 after 25 minutes, the Raiders showed a lot of heart to get back into that one. The two tries before the halftime break gave them the impetus needed to go on with it in the 2nd half with the wind at their backs. Special mention to Croker's penalty goal which somehow found its mark from 40m to give them their first lead with 10 mins to go. Ricky Stuart will be as proud as punch with that resilience. Tigers 22 Raiders 30
James Silver
Roar Guru
Frank-Paul Nuuausala is named man of the match after a strong performance which included a try, after earning a surprise start today. Tigers 22 Raiders 30
James Silver
Roar Guru
FULL TIME - CONVERSION The hooter has gone as Jarrod Croker nails a perfect conversion to seal a remarkable victory for Canberra. And of course a remarkable capitulation by the Tigers who seemingly had the game won up 22-0 after just 25 minutes. Tigers 22 Raiders 30
James Silver
Roar Guru
79' TRY Confirmed try for the Raiders and that should seal the victory. The Tigers defence crumbles once more, and the Raiders have pulled off their largest ever comeback victory! Tigers 22 Raiders 28
Doug Graves
Guest
Shambolic performance. The Tigers are still as soft as silk. You don't surrender a 22 point lead at home against the Raiders if you're a serious team. Ridiculous.
James Silver
Roar Guru
79' This will be the Raiders biggest ever comeback win if they pull this off. AND the ref has a TRY! Jordan Rapana looks to have scored in the corner and he has done it! Tigers 22 Raiders 24
James Silver
Roar Guru
78' Lawrence is held on halfway, they didn't get a kick in, and the Raiders will start with the ball on halfway. Tigers 22 Raiders 24
James Silver
Roar Guru
77' Williams kick is fumbled by Tedesco again but he comes away with it. This is the 2nd last set now for the Tigers, can they conjure up a miracle? Tigers 22 Raiders 24
Benny
Guest
I actually agree with that decision. Only because almost always, when a player runs behind the forward running through, they usually stop now and surrender in the tackle otherwise a penalty is given. That is how it is now so based on that I think that's a no try because Farah didn't surrender
James Silver
Roar Guru
76' No try awarded for Farah running behind Galloway. You see those given every week! The Tigers have been hard done by there. The video ref took just one look at it! Tigers 22 Raiders 24
Scott Pryde
Expert
Are we watching a different replay to the video referee?
James Silver
Roar Guru
76' Can the Tigers snatch it at the death? Brooks kicks on 3rd tackle, the tigers get it back. Last tackle now! Can they nick it? the kick is deflected and LUKE BROOKS HAS SCORED. But the ref has awarded no try on the field as we go upstairs. Perenara believes its an obstruction. Tigers 22 Raiders 24
Scott Pryde
Expert
WOW
Scott Pryde
Expert
What a game. Edge of the seat stuff.
James Silver
Roar Guru
75' Rapana is called for a knock on from a loose pass from the Tigers, but it came off his knee. A tough, tough call against the Raiders. Tigers 22 Raiders 24