The Canberra Raiders will be looking for some lost pride as they hope to avenge their loss to the Newcastle Knights from earlier in the season. Join The Roar for all the action from 6pm (AEST).
A loss to top-eight rivals the Panthers last week all but confirmed the Raiders will miss this season’s finals.
The Raiders simply have not been good enough this season, particularly in games that they had to win – such as last week with finals on the line, and against Newcastle when the Knights were struggling.
If they are to restore some faith among their supporters for next season, Canberra need to play the enterprising footy for which they are known, with the likes of Jarrod Croker and Nick Cotric playing well.
As for the Knights, they have shown guts and effort throughout the year, which was rewarded by three wins on the trot prior to last week’s loss to Melbourne.
Instead of giving up, Newcastle have kept playing their style of footy, and despite a likely third consecutive wooden spoon, have shown promising signs for the future.
Still, if the Knights are to win, they need to be more solid in defence than last week, while also holding onto the ball and not giving away silly errors.
Prediction
The Knights should give this a red-hot crack, as they know how to beat Canberra.
However, even with nothing to play for, the Raiders should win this game and restore some pride.
Canberra by 12.
Benji
Guest
No!!!!!!
Benji
Guest
No!!!!!!
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Hey Taree - I let my my daughter and her boyfriend use our season tickets last night and watched it on telly. The Raiders were pretty good up until the 75th minute and then clocked off. Jack's been very good the past two weeks - the pass out to Rapana was a beauty. Thought Jnr Paulo, Hodgson, Rapana and Austin were good as well. Would love to See Dave T stay but I think they are offering more $ and a longer contract at Toronto. Can't see why the Raiders can't offer him a 2 yr contract at reasonable money. Just hoping the Warriors knock off Manly on Sunday - fingers crossed. Would be great if it all came down to the match against the Storm. Whatever happens I hope they treat the match against the Storm as a final.
Taree Raider
Guest
Geoff, I bet it was a cold one in the Capital last night. Why can't the Raiders keep Dave Taylor. Jack Wighton has put in two good games in a row for the first time in four years. Soliola will be back next week against the Storm. Can't wait for that.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Carn the Tigers, a faint light flickers.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
The sin bin was a correct call though, it was a flagrant professional foul.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Great game. Lots of tries this weekend with two high scoring games. Raiders will be watching with interest at the weekend games.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Raiders clock off with 5 minutes to go and let in 12 points - typical
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: CANBERRA 46-28 NEWCASTLE Poat match analysis to come shortly I hope you all enjoyed tonight's blog.
Rob
Guest
I think they get caught up in over thinking things to be honest. They get caught up over doing the wrestle, push the pass, try a miracle play or milk a penalty. Dave Taylor is the Raiders. Talented beyond belief but frustrating as hell.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Almost like evening the game up so the scores don't look too bad.
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
79TH MIN: TRY NEWCASTLE SKD scores of a grubber SCORE UPDATE: 46-28 Canberra
Cadfael
Roar Guru
There have been a lot worse than that tonight from both sides. Funny that sin bins appear to happen when the game isn't in doubt. Poor refereeing. It is the pits.
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
76TH MIN: TRY NEWCASTLE The Knights hit back and score a consolation effort as Mitchell Barnett scores SCORE UPDATE: 46-22 CANBERRA
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
73RD MIN: TRY CANBERRA Austin scores after the ball bounces around and eventually into his arms 46-16 Canberra
Alex L
Roar Rookie
They're a team that looks good when they're on top, put under pressure they break easily.
Rob
Guest
The Raiders are such of wasted talent if they miss the finals this year. They could do anything if they make the 8. Feels like I'm repeating myself?
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
71ST MIN: VIDEO REFEREE BLAKE AUSTIN!!! He may of just scored a great, but unorthodox try here
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
66TH MIN: TRY CANBERRA JORDAN RAPANA WITH A HATTRICK after a brilliant passing move involving the cut out ball past Jack Wighton for Rapana to score SCORE UPDATE: 40-16 Canberra
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
61ST MIN: Canberra Earn a penalty as the attacking set by the Raiders continue. Canberra to take the 2 SCORE UPDATE: 34-16 Canberra