The Raiders will be looking to take advantage of a Panthers side with playing backing up from Origin at GIO Stadium tonight. Below is my full preview and prediction for the game.
The Raiders are aiming for back-to-back home wins when they take on the table-topping Panthers at GIO Stadium on Friday night.
The Raiders kept their season alive with a last-gasp 21-20 victory over the Sea Eagles in Round 12 to get to 5-7.
However, they remain two games outside the top eight entering the second half of the season.
The Panthers surged to the top of the table with a stunning 28-2 demolition of the Dragons at Pepper Stadium.
Canberra Raiders’ scouting report
Ricky Stuart has named the same 17 that came from behind against Manly in Round 12. Josh Papalii moves to lock, with Sia Soliola shifting back to the back row.
Penrith Panthers’ scouting report
The Panthers have named Nathan Cleary, James Maloney, Tyrone Peachey and Reagan Campbell-Gillard to back up from Origin, just two days after the opener at the MCG.
(Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)
Hooker Peter Wallace still remains on the sidelines through injury. The only change from their Round 12 win against the Dragons is Kaide Ellis replacing the suspended Jack Hetherington on the bench.
Raiders by 1-6 in a high scoring game
This is a real trap game for Penrith with players on the back up from Origin just 48 hours after Game 1 in Melbourne.
It won’t be easy to carry those bumps and bruises into chilly Canberra against a desperate side.
I will take the home side in an upset, given they will be desperate and have the advantage of having no Origin players in addition to a full two weeks to prepare for this game.
I am expecting a close, high-scoring and entertaining game of football.
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