Roar Guru
Raiders
18
Match Complete
Rabbitohs
12
J. Croker | 56 | |||
S. Valemei | 56 | |||
J. Croker | 47 | |||
26 | A. Reynolds | |||
24 | A. Reynolds | |||
22 | A. Reynolds | |||
21 | D. Gagai | |||
J. Croker | 15 | |||
J. Croker | 13 | |||
N. Cotric | 6 |
3 | Tries | 2 | ||
2 | Conversions | 2 | ||
1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The NRL action continues tonight with the match between the Canberra Raiders and South Sydney Rabbitohs at GIO Stadium in Canberra. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7.35pm (AEST).
Few thought a depleted Raiders line up had a chance against the Roosters just over a week ago at the SCG. Someone forgot to give Ricky Stuart and his team the script, however, and the Raiders triumphed in the grand final rematch.
It’s anybody’s guess as to how the Raiders will back up after such an emotional win, but they do have the advantage of a longer turnaround to get ready for this one.
Though the loss of Josh Hodgson is massive for the Raiders, Jack Wighton and George Williams took control last weekend, and Josh Papalii has to be close to the best front-rower in the game. The Raiders are certainly not done with this season.
Michael Oldfield is out with a hamstring injury, with Jordan Rapana moving to centre. Semi Valemei gets a start on the wing. Harley Smith-Shields joins the bench. John Bateman has been named in the 21 but is highly unlikely to play.
The Rabbits got to within two points of the Knights last Saturday night, but that doesn’t tell the real story. The Knights led by 20 with 15 minutes to go and simply clocked off too early, letting the Rabbits almost steal a win.
Much has been made of the Rabbitohs being below their best so far this season, although it’s becoming clear that the side may instead just be past its best. The pack isn’t getting enough go-forward and Damien Cook isn’t getting as many opportunities to dart from dummy half and get the attack moving.
James Roberts and Ethan Lowe are both out with long term injuries, with Campbell Graham returning to the team and Bayley Sironen starting. Jack Johns gets his debut off the interchange.
Prediction
There’s no doubt Wayne Bennett would have demanded more of his team this week and they will be better tonight. However, if the Raiders can get close to replicating their form from last round, they should be too good. They will have a Canberra crowd and Viking clap to help them.
Canberra Raiders by ten.
When: 7.35pm (AEST)
Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
TV: Fox League
Online: Kayo, Live Pass
Betting: Canberra Raiders: $1.52, South Sydney Rabbitohs: $2.55
Canberra Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Jordan Rapana, 5. Semi Valemi, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papali’i, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Kai O’Donnell
Interchange
14. Tom Starling, 15. Joseph Tapine, 16. Ryan Sutton, 17. Harley Smith-Shields
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Alex Johnston, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Campbell Graham, 4. Dane Gagai, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Cameron Murray
Interchange
14. Mark Nicholls, 15. Hame Sele, 16. Patrick Mago, 17. Jack Johns
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