Parramatta Eels
10
Match Complete
Canberra Raiders
12
| M. Sivo |  | 75 | ||
| C. Gutherson |  | 57 | ||
| D. Brown | | 55 | ||
| 54 | | J. Croker | ||
| 52 | | J. Rapana | ||
| 46 | | J. Croker | ||
| 44 | | C. Harawira-Naera |
| 2 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Blake Ferguson is in from the cold for the Parramatta Eels as they take on a Canberra Raiders outfit desperate to extend their winning streak to three and keep finals hopes alive. Tune into the action from the Gold Coast as Round 19 kicks off with live scores on The Roar from 7:50pm (AEST).
Out of contract come season’s end, Ferguson’s NRL career has looked all but over for much of the year; but after finally being granted a recall by Brad Arthur at the expense of Haze Dunster, the popular veteran will get one more chance to showcase his wares for any prospective suitors out there.
The Eels have won four of their last five, with the sole loss by a solitary point to the Panthers, and a win here would see them keep the pressure on at least the third-placed Rabbitohs as the race to finals heats up.
A back fracture sustained in Origin 3 has ruled Mitchell Moses out again, which sees Jakob Arthur earn another chance at halfback; while debutant Will Penisini is in for Tom Opacic.
An excellent fortnight has seen the Raiders surge back from the brink and well and truly into finals contention. Now ninth, only a slender points differential is keeping Ricky Stuart’s team out of the eight.
They’ve been too good for Manly and the Sharks in the past fortnight, with some newfound attacking brilliance the key to their success. However, they received a hammer blow in the lead-up to this game, with new star Xavier Savage suffering a season-ending shoulder injury during his breakout game against Cronulla.
Savage’s absence sees Jordan Rapana shift to fullback, while a rib injury sidelines Jack Wighton from a return to club duty after his role in Origin 3. Matt Frawley will take on the number six.
Game information
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
TV: Channel Nine, Fox League
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel GO
Betting: Eels $1.20, Raiders $4.70 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
Parramatta Eels
1. Clint Gutherson (c), 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Jake Arthur, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown
Bench/Reserves: 14. Marata Niukore, 15. Shaun Lane, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Will Smith | 18. Haze Dunster, 19. Bryce Cartwright
Canberra Raiders
1. Jordan Rapana, 2. Harley Smith-Shields, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Semi Valemei, 6. Matt Frawley, 7. Sam Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Emre Guler, 11. Corey Harawira-Naera, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Ryan Sutton
Bench/Reserves: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Matthew Timoko, 16. Iosia Soliola, 17. Joe Tapine | 18. Caleb Aekins, 19. Ryan James
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I suspect that they are where they are because of a really good draw early in the season which is about to get much tougher. On what they show against quality opposition they are very lucky to be where they are
steveng
Roar Rookie
Well said "Taree Raider" and I totally agree with you and wish that all NRL sides especially the bottom 8 do the same, as we won’t have scores like 50-0 and I especially wish this for my Bunnies, as that has been missing from our side for ages as they should take a page out of the Raiders performance book last night! This game should be a perfect exsample for the bottom 8 sides and all sides in the NRL as both sides gave it 100% and more for80 min, well done.
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
I can see Parramatta missing the Top 4 and either the Roosters or Manly getting there. I don’t rate the eels at all. I am bewildered as to how they are so high, but then, looking at their awful run home maybe their had a nice draw. Eels – Roosters (A), Rabbitohs (H), Sea Eagles (A), Cowboys (H), Storm (A), Panthers (H) Roosters – Knights(H), Eels (H), Panthers (H), Broncos (A), Dragons (A), Rabbitohs (H), Raiders (A) Sea Eagles – Tigers (H), Sharks (A), Storm (H), Eels (H), Raiders (A), Bulldogs (H), Cowboys (A) Surely even the most die hard of eels supporters doesn’t see them realistically winning more than a one game. A win against the cowboys, but they could easily lose the rest. Roosters might win 5 (loss against Panthers and Rabbitohs), Sea Eagles might win 5 or 6 (loss against Storm). Points difference will be crucial for that 4th spot. Go Manly!
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yes fully agree and if the Eels would have won the NRL wouldn’t have given the Raiders the 2 points, the bunker I'm sure are either overwhelmed or very incompetent by the occasion(s) or just trying on purpose to give an advantage to one side or all of that combined? There is no other explanation for allot of the calls coming from them.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I soooo dislike the bunker.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Yes, sorry pal but they'll probably have to win it from 5 or 6. Next 2 game are now more crucial than ever and their last chance to stay in top 4. Roosters and Manly will both finish at least on 30, 32 if they beat Raiders. I reckon Eels finish the same, so you have to beat both of them and hope Raiders do likewise.
DNZ
Guest
AndyFNQ you might be the only person other than PVL who thinks the league is better for the rule changes. That game was more entertaining than anything the Storm has played in recently.
Phil
Guest
Lucky it's not rugby.Would have been a penalty try for sure.The first player made contact with Sivo's head and the 2nd was a no arms tackle.
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
I’m actually pleased about that. It’ll be almost practice for the finals. But yeah, I can’t see us finishing 4th on the back of tonight. It’s there for the taking if Manly want it :crying:
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Well said Taree – great game to watch – nerve racking last few minutes – Jordan Rapana is still my favourite player – what a legend – the heart and soul of the club
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Spot on Harry - where has this energy and intensity been all season - three top 8 scalps in a row - with every Raiders player putting their body on the line - wonderful to watch
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Jordy was never going in with his shoulder or his knee - it was hip to the side of Sivo - nothing illegal - a high speed collision between two desperate players
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Classic :laughing:
Bill
Guest
Wow was not expecting that, far from perfect in execution at times from both teams, but what a gutsy win to the Raiders. One of the best games I’ve seen all season, someone should tell Mr Rugba League let’s have more of that and less 46-6 score lines. Bill
Greg
Roar Pro
In relation to kick, an active offside player shall not encroach within 10 metres of the ball, when there is an opponent waiting for the ball. ACTIVE OR PASSIVE: Active is: An offside player who takes part in and/or influences the course of the game. Passive is: An offside player who does not influence the course of the game.
Greg
Roar Pro
should point out it is still a penalty however.
Taree Raider
Guest
That is what I like to see as a fan, it would not matter what the result in this game because the Raiders gave their guts the whole way. I just love the way that everyone gave it a red hot go. This is what Rugby League is all about. 0-0 at half time. You don't need 20 tries to one team to make a Rugby League game entertaining. That was the best game I have seen this year. Run hard, tackle hard, never give up. I'm so happy with the effort of the Raiders. In Ricky (in isolation)m we trust. By the way that young bloke, Croker from Goulburn goes all right, perhaps a little bit of constructive criticism is a good thing. Let's hope Jack comes back with an error free game & the ability to kick the ball out with a bounce first, into the in goal & stay there & also down the other end away from the wingers & fullback. No, let's be realistic, just don't kick it out on the full & don't knock on, that will do.
Greg
Roar Pro
its not a penalty try when shoulder contact is side on. Dont know why this is the interpretation but the Badgers gave a detailed break down of it on their podcast last year.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
You miss him run to, then around AJ Brimson last week ?
Joey
Guest
Parra still to play Roosters, Souths, Manly, Storm, and Panthers. Ouch. Top4 is looking a bit optimistic.