The Canberra Raiders, who were the 2019 NRL runners-up, come into the finals sitting in fifth place.
They were probably a little unfortunate to not have a top-four spot, but they’ve still been playing good football heading into the postseason.
We hear stories of the Panthers’ magical run, the future of the Melbourne Storm, the struggles of Parramatta and the Roosters’ chances of winning three premierships in a row.
But what about the Canberra Raiders and their quest to avenge 2019? The Raiders have one of the more complete teams in the NRL and we should watch out for the green machine.
We all know how talented their outside backs are with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jordan Rapana, Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton and Nick Cotric. Semi Valemei has also done well for a rookie when he’s been called upon.
The Raiders are dangerous with their ability to break tackles especially with Cotric, Nicoll-Klokstad and Wighton, who are all in the top 25 in that category.
The forwards can also match up with the best packs in the NRL led by Josh Papalii. For the most part, they have kept the same core of forwards from the 2019 grand final with John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead and Joseph Tapine still around. Dunamis Lui has improved immensely in 2020 and it has earned him a starting spot to partner with Papalii.
Coach Ricky Stuart has certainly been aware of the difficulties that come with being outside the top four. But he’s got the Raiders focusing on one game at a time.
“The reason that nobody has won outside the top four is that no one’s been good enough. If we’re good enough, we got the opportunity and we’ll be there at the end,” Stuart said.
Looking at the Raiders’ season, the most impressive statistic has been their record away from home. In ten away games, Canberra have won eight which is the second-best record behind Penrith.
Canberra only lost to Penrith and Parramatta (which went to a golden point) away from home. Meanwhile, they managed to pick up big wins against the Storm and Roosters.
Everyone knows how tough Canberra is when they play in the nation’s capital. But if they can carry their away form into the finals, it will be very encouraging to their fans.
Comparing the 2019 grand final team to the current line-up for 2020, the main differences include George Williams replacing Aidan Sezer and Tom Starling replacing the injured Josh Hodgson.
Losing Josh Hodgson mid-season was a big blow, but they managed to hold strong and were able to have others such as Tom Starling and Siliva Havili step up.
On the other hand, George Williams has been a welcome discovery for Canberra as he has been a great partner for Wighton.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Just comparing the numbers between Williams in 2020 and Sezer from 2019, Williams has had more try involvements, offloads, tackle breaks, forced dropouts, line breaks and offloads in just one extra appearance.
Canberra fans will be hoping that Williams can push them over the edge as he is an x-factor when the game gets tight.
One of the main Achilles’ heels for the Raiders is their ability to control the ball. Possession is vital in finals football and by completing their sets they can prevent momentum swings. They are one of the top teams in making errors and they’ll need to ensure that they don’t force the issue.
While having an insurance policy of a top-four spot would be handy for the Raiders, this is a team that has the potential to play spoiler to any team in the competition.
If Canberra can take things one week at a time don’t be surprised to see this team make a deep run in the finals.
Nelson Sing
Roar Guru
Yeah Canberra looked really off last night. If it wasnt for George Williams intercept try who knew what could have happened. I suspect it might've been a bit of underestimation from the Raiders. I'm sure they'll have a different performance against the Roosters
Renegade
Roar Guru
If Johnson played, I think they would’ve won comfortably yesterday.
Nelson Sing
Roar Guru
We're all class and professional here. Good luck in todays game!
Steve
Guest
First time I have come to this site. Im a Raiders tragic and frequent another forum. Just wanted to say how much I enjoy how pleasant you are to each other! The other place I go can get snappy very quickly. This is a welcome change, I will be back! Go Raiders tonight!
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
You're a good man DB
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
That 2016 team was a gem, a real gem. Only a fit and fired up Fifita could score that try. The team was hard, experienced, enough flair when needed but just tough. That team is where this whole "grinding" tag came from. It doesn't suit the Sharks now, but it sure suited them then. Pass on my respects to your parents. 99 each and in the same house is the kind of achievement we should all hope to make one day.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
2012 - you're right - place was packed to the rafters - wonderful memories - bit nervous about tomorrow- but then again I always am - hope the players are up for it
Harry
Guest
Geez I'd be a lot more confident of the Raiders getting a result vs the Storm than vs Easts - they've got a great recent record in that clash (including three wins in a row in Melbourne!) and they're not afraid to face up to the Storm.
Harry
Guest
Papalii vs Gallen was in 2012... sweet memories! :happy: I was at the 2016 game at Bruce too, as in early September for my birthday I always head back home to Canberra from Melbourne where I live. Then a couple of weeks later I was at AAMI Park for the preliminary vs the Storm. A disappointing couple of games but we thought the future for the Raiders had so much promise... and I guess it did, it just took a little longer than anticipated! Can't wait for tomorrow's game.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
All good points - that Warriors match was brutal - which I guess is surprising given they had nothing riding on the match - you've summed up precisely why Ricky needed to give many of them a week off. They'll need to prepare for a pretty fired up Sharks side.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Agree Albo - the Raiders will need to up for this from the start
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
True Nelson... BUT, looking ahead, I don't know that this so bad a thing and Raiders have a great chance. Assuming they get past Cronulla without too many issues (injury, bruises) they face either Panthers or Roosters (hopefully) who - if my impressions are correct - will have just been through one of the most physical and intense battles in recent history and in no position to face up in a week's time. Then, they meet Melbourne, who - while a favourite - will have just had a weeks rest, followed by a cushy 2nd gear destruction of Eels, followed by another week off. NOT, IMO, the best preparation for a Major Semi against the Raiders.
Albo
Roar Rookie
The more I look at that Sharks bench, with Talakai, Fifita , Williams & Sorensen , the more I think that the Raiders best not take them too lightly. They have a very solid pack & bench this week , where I suspect they will want to play this one up the middle.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Had a look at your GF team of 16 - that was a seriously good team. Strong all over the park. And that 16-14 final at Bruce was epic - I was there - and I was there for the final when Papalii smashed Gallen back in 2008 I think it was. There have been some great games between these clubs over the years. I bought 4 tickets for my two daughters and their boyfriends in one of the bays in front of the Gregan-Larkham stand. Its going to be a beautiful day - 25 - so no excuses for either team. Hopefully they put on the green and get into the Viking clap. They are pretty excited about going as there hasn't been much to see in thse COVID times. I'll be in Adelaide visiting my elderly parents - leaving 7pm tonight - first chance I've had to see them for some time. One turned 99 at the end of August and the other is turning 99 on Xmas Day. What are the chances? Still living in the same house.
Nelson Sing
Roar Guru
I look at the Sharks lineup. There just really isn't anything inspiring about them that makes you think they can pull off an upset. If they still had Shaun Johnson maybe but Raiders should ultimately be too much for them
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Their A side took a lot of casualties 2 weeks ago against the Warriors. CNK took a big shot to the ribs, Croker and Williams in particular were head knocked, Bateman elbow, Whitehead vomitting, Papa has not been 100% for at least a month then Sutton last week. With Scott gone, Rapana moves in and a rookie outside him. Not good.. They're ripe, just dunno if the Sharks have got it in them.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Raiders teams have been like that for a fair while. They don't have the structured plays of the Storm and the Roosters. Its more off the cuff ad lib plays that lead to points. Not sure if this is deliberate by Ricky given the emphasis on defence in the past couple of seasons. But the Raiders have been averaging 30 per match over the past 7 weeks which isn't too shabby - the only low score was in the game against the Roosters which was pretty tough and dour. Its taken a while for Jack and George to get their acts together. They still have a lot of improvement in them which may be a good thing going into the finals i.e. there could be some more upside to come.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Ah Matt Prior, great player. See the problem is that when you break the rules as often as we do you end up with all kinds of annoying things like salary cap penalties that means letting quality players go to the English SL is more of a necessity than a genuine desire. Should be a good game this weekend. Good luck for your boys, are you able to get to the ground?
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Hey Taree. I think the team has done pretty well to finish fifth given the constant travel after matches resumed and a massive injury toll. I think I counted six in the season ending injury list - Hodgson, Guler, Horsburgh, Simonsson, Sutton and Scott - with Soliola only just returning after a 3 month injury. I'm hoping they don't take this game too lightly given the Sharks have been given little chance by the so called experts. The Sharks have a great record in Canberra. The Raiders need to keep playing the way they have over the past couple of months. A fast start wouldn't hurt either. And yes - really looking forward to what Ryan James can bring to the team next year. Always rated him when he played for the Titans.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Fair point DB - I did say I hope we meet Melbourne in the prelim. I think this game will be closer than a lot of people think. The Sharks have a great recent record in Canberra for a start. But they did have Ennis, Gallen, Holmes, Maloney, Prior, Lewis, Bird and younger and fitter versions of Fifita and Graham back in 2016. Its a very different team today. What happened to Matt Prior? He had a blinder in the 2016 final.