Canberra Raiders
22
Match Complete
Sydney Roosters
16
| M. Timoko |  | 70 | ||
| 65 | | J. Suaalii | ||
| 62 |  | S. Walker | ||
| 61 | | P. Momirovski | ||
| J. Fogarty | | 43 | ||
| S. Kris | | 42 | ||
| J. Fogarty | | 31 | ||
| X. Savage | | 29 | ||
| 25 | | S. Walker | ||
| 23 | | S. Tupouniua | ||
| J. Fogarty | | 10 | ||
| A. Elliott | | 8 |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 13 of the NRL Premiership concludes this afternoon when the Canberra Raiders take on the Sydney Roosters at GIO Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4.05pm AEST.
With State of Origin I only days away, both sides are missing some stars this afternoon. However the 2 competition points, especially for a resurgent Raiders outfit, remains very important.
The Canberra Raiders have shown signs of improvement over the past few weeks and that was shown again last weekend with a tight 8 point loss to the Eels. Ricky Stuart wouldn’t have been happy with the defeat, but he can surely see light at the end of the tunnel.
The Raiders are led upfront by Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine, arguably one of the best front rows in the comp. With Jamal Fogarty back in the side, Canberra’s attack has taken on a better direction.
Having said that, the loss of Papalii and Jack Wighton to Origin does leave some big gaps to fill. Matt Frawley will play in the 6 jersey whilst Corey Horsburgh will move to starting prop. Corey Harawira-Naera and Trey Mooney join the bench.
You get the impression that the Roosters are slowly rediscovering their mojo. Winning at Shark Park is never easy and the tri-colours did it with relative ease.
Sam Walker and Luke Keary are finding their way with their new combination, although having James Tedesco in your spine doesn’t hurt. Angus Crichton will be itching for this one after missing out on Origin selection.
The Roosters are missing Tedesco, Daniel Tupou and Lindsay Collins to Origin. Kevin Naiqama and Billy Smith join a re-shuffled backline. In the forwards, Sitili Tupouniua will start with Egan Butcher gaining a spot on the bench.
Prediction
With both sides missing quality players, this is a difficult one to pick.
The Roosters forwards were perhaps helped last week by injuries to 4 of Cronulla’s forward stocks. They won’t have the same luxury today.
If the Raiders can gain parity in the forwards, they may have too much class in the backline.
Canberra Raiders by 2
Game information
Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
TV/Stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, Nine Network
Odds: Raiders $2.35, Roosters $1.60 – odds via PlayUp
Canberra
1. Xavier Savage 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Matt Frawley 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott
Interchange: 14. Tom Starling 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Trey Mooney
Sydney Roosters
1. Joseph Manu 2. Billy Smith 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Drew Hutchison 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Nat Butcher
Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Egan Butcher 17. Terrell May
Justin
Guest
You’re Kidding. The Roosters second try was a forward pass. Their third try came after stripping the ball, with still more than one player left in the tackle. I’m no Raiders supporter either.
Watda
Guest
The usual hater’s turned up for this game. Rooster’s not good enough….Raider’s got the rub of the green….that’s life…
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Well done Raiders. Every time you play the Roosters I think of THAT grand final. You guys were better and deserved the win.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
My comment was only in regard to Manly, Souvalis.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
He is young compared to Gus, Rellum.
Phil
Roar Rookie
I'm glad you mentioned Big Red. I thought he was the nucleus of the pack, awesome display. You can take a lot of confidence from today, no 2nd half fade even though Easts looked threatening for a while. Well done Canberra.
MadgicSH
Roar Rookie
Because it's the Roosters of course!
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Nerve racking last 30 minutes to watch but the Raiders defence stood up under pressure – needed to score at least one more try to make certain of it and young Timoko came up with the goods with 10 to go – not sure if that attempt at field goal was necessary by Frawley – Joey Manu always threatened to take the game away but even his efforts weren’t enough – great efforts by Tapine, Sutton, Young and young Savage. Elliot and big Red were good as well. A very important win for the Raiders. Had a feeling they would win one at least one of the two games against the Eels and the Roosters at home.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Miniscule compared to Canberra's Papa and Wighton, best players in the club.
MadgicSH
Roar Rookie
You and me too! I wish they would hire "experts" who have actually been to school!
MadgicSH
Roar Rookie
It takes the pressure off Xavier Savage so I am glad they are fan girling Suaali ????
Adam
Guest
Roosters will get smashed next wk
Adam
Guest
Robbo won't be there much longer to keep giving advice and neither will certain other players be there too much longer either ( e.g keary)
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks all for following the blog this afternoon. Hope to hear from most of you on Wednesday night
Phil
Roar Rookie
If Canberra had have lost that, Ricky would be in the Des Hasler club by way of the $25k subscription.
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Raiders also get a tough one. playing the Broncos in Brisbane
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Roosters have the Storm next Saturday evening at the SCG. The two points lost today may yet prove critical for the tri-colours.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Great stuff Raiders., I'll give Robbo some advice. Get your team back 10 metres. Ref went easy on you in the second half.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks Monorchid. Lucky enough to be calling the SOO this year
souvalis
Roar Rookie
nah, it was flat.