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The Raiders took a win in Round 1, running it out 30-22. It was a hot day in Canberra with both teams putting in a huge effort today.
REPORT: AUSTIN, SEGEYARO INJURED IN RAIDERS WIN
Some outstanding performances today, Josh Hodgson, Aidan Sezer and Shaun Fensom among the best. They scored tries, made tackles and got their team over the line.
Penrith tried hard but ultimately errors cost them. Too many penalties and errors from them but it’s only Round 1, they’ll get better.
Will Smith was good for them, he’s a serious attacking threat. Bryce Cartwright was outstanding also, he made plenty of tackles and was dangerous in attack.
Some bad injuries today though, Blake Austin out with a medial in his right leg, while Penrith are set to lose James Segeyaro for around 6 weeks with a broken right forearm.
Plenty to like about both sides, the Raiders pack are one to watch in 2016. They ran hard and tackled hard all day, the big bodies just too much for Penrith to handle in the Canberra heat.
The Roar’s NRL MVP votes
3 – Aidan Sezer – He controlled the game all day, has a great kicking game and scored 2 tries. I think most will agree he was man of the match. Also played most of the second half without his starting 5/8, a sensational game
2 – Josh Hodgson – the number 9 was outstanding today, 32 tackles,7 runs, but the way he got his forwards over the advantage line played a huge part. He moved into 5/8 later in the game and was cool headed. A great player
1 – Bryce Cartwright – Penrith’s best today, he was dynamic in attack, setting up a try and creating several line breaks. He also played 80 minutes, making 27 tackles.
Final score
Canberra Raiders 30
Penrith Panthers 22
Daytime NRL action is back for the first time this season, as the Canberra Raiders host the Penrith Panthers, with both sides looking to get this year’s campaign off to a good start. Join The Roar for all the action from 3pm (AEDT).
The Raiders and Panthers will field different sides to Round 26 last year, with both clubs active in off-season recruitment.
Penrith additions Trent Merrin and Peta Hiku have fans excited for 2016.
Merrin starts at lock, after playing in the front row during the pre season, meaning tackling machine Elijah Taylor moves back to the bench. Hiku has been named in the number 4 jersey and wants to make it his own – look for him to impress.
Matt Moylan is out with a back complaint, replaced by livewire Will Smith. Moylan’s ball-playing ability will be missed, however Smith’s blinding pace more than makes up for it. Dean Whare is also out, with Waqa Blake slotting in at centre.
The Panthers are expected to play off the back of dynamic hooker James Segeyaro. The number 9 will be as dangerous as ever and get his mobile forward pack into the game. If he can get Canberra moving backwards the Panthers have the polish out wide to go point for point with the Raiders.
Much has been made of the Canberra’s two key signings, Aidan Sezer and Elliott Whitehead.
Plenty has been said about Sezer, but Whitehead has had an impressive career as well, scoring 70 tries in his 174 games in England. The former Bradford Bull and Catalans Dragons back rower makes his debut in the starting side today, pushing hard-hitting Iosia Soliola back to the bench.
Plenty of points are expected from Canberra’s youthful back five. Sisa Waqa misses out this week, which sees Jack Wighton, Edrick Lee, Jarrod Croker, Joseph Leilua and Jordan Rapana lineup – each in their own right an attacking threat – so the Panthers need to be on full alert.
It is set to be a hot day in Canberra, although showers are also a possibility at some point, so expect the weather to play its part. Combine this with the new reduced interchanges, and preseason conditioning will play a big part late in the game.
Prediction
Without the strike of Moylan and Whare, and the addition of some key players for the Raiders, the Green Machine will sneak home.
Canberra by 12.
Join The Roar for all the action from 3pm (AEDT).
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