Expert
The Canberra Raiders came from behind to record a ten-point win over the Parramatta Eels on Sunday.
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Final score
Raiders 28
Eels 18
The Canberra Raiders look to continue their hot run of form and maintain a high position on the ladder when they host the struggling and out-of-contention Parramatta Eels. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2pm (AEST).
The Raiders have been in astounding, pulling off some huge victories over competition heavyweights.
While they have won seven straight, many of those were during the Origin period against weaker sides, or the South Sydney Rabbitohs when they ran up 50.
It has been the last fortnight though that has confirmed their credentials as premiership contenders.
The top two sides in the competition, the Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm, presented themselves back-to-back for the Raiders and after beating the Sharks away from home, they put on a convincing performance against Melbourne to now sit third on the ladder.
A win in this match would confirm the Raiders’ position in the top four come finals time, and a valuable second chance, while it would also move them closer to the top two and a home final.
The Eels, on the other hand, have gone from bad to worse since the salary cap drama broke, and they seemed to hit rock bottom last week with their defence faltering as they played the Brisbane Broncos back into form.
They eventually went down 38-16, having never been in the contest. After a rare win over the Manly Sea Eagles the week before, it looked as if the wind was finally taken out of Parramatta’s sails.
Their attack has been struggling, and it is all down to their creative combination of Jeff Robson and Clint Gutherson, and how they play in tandem with Michael Gordon that defines Parramatta’s performance.
In a big blow for the Raiders, Josh Hodgson is out with suspension. Kurt Baptiste goes to hooker with both Adam Clydesdale and Jarrad Kennedy added to the bench.
Beau Scott and Semi Radradra are back for the Eels, with Rory O’Brien and Vai Toutai missing out.
Prediction
The Raiders, at home and in good form, shouldn’t be challenged an Eels side who have nothing to play for and are down on manpower.
Just got a funny feeling this could get ugly in dry weather, Sunday afternoon football.
Raiders by 28.
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Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde