Roar Guru
Roosters
18
Match Complete
Raiders
22
K. Flanagan | 75 | |||
J. Tedesco | 74 | |||
70 | J. Croker | |||
68 | J. Wighton | |||
K. Flanagan | 58 | |||
J. Manu | 57 | |||
K. Flanagan | 37 | |||
J. Tedesco | 35 | |||
22 | J. Tapine | |||
19 | J. Croker | |||
17 | G. Williams | |||
5 | J. Croker | |||
4 | J. Papalii |
3 | Tries | 4 | ||
3 | Conversions | 3 | ||
0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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It’s a replay of last year’s decider as the Sydney Roosters tackle the Canberra Raiders in an NRL semi-final at the SCG. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:50pm (AEDT).
The first semi-final is upon us. The replay of the decider is here, probably two weeks earlier than they probably would’ve liked to have played each other, but we are in for a big one.
These sides have played each other twice already this season, and have split the winnings. The Raiders seem to have found a game plan that works for them, without their captain Josh Hodgson, with replacement To, Starling on fire in recent weeks. They seem to be clicking just at the right time.
On the other hand, the back-to-back champion Roosters are licking their wounds after a brutal finals game against the Panthers last week. They seem to get better, but then fail to kick into top gear, maybe the longevity of two consecutive championships are taking a toll on them. Nevertheless, the Roosters instill fear on all of their opposition, purely because of how talented their roster is.
Key match-up
Jack Wighton vs Luke Keary
If you add in Melbourne’s Caermon Munster, we have the best three five-eighths in the competition. Luckily enough for us, we will see two of them go at it, and this will be huge!
Jack Wighton’s running game really sets his side on the front foot. Anywhere within the 20-emtre line, Wighton will most likely look to run and penetrate the oppositions defence. On the other hand, we have probably the best play maker in the competition. Luke Keary’s prowess on the blindside is near impeccable. He seems to point out numbers almost as good as Cameron Smith. Both of these players hold all the keys to victory, for their respective sides.
Prediction
I have struggled all week to pick this game. It really is a very 50-50 game. I will go with my gut, and pick the Raiders by 2.
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEDT)
Venue: SCG
TV: Nine, Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, NRL Live Pass, 9Now
Odds: Roosters $1.47, Raiders $2.75
Roosters
1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Brett Morris, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend, 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Isaac Liu
Bench/Reserves: 14. Lindsay Collins, 15. Sitili Tupouniua, 16. Mitchell Aubusson, 17. Sonny Bill Williams, 18. Nat Butcher, 19. Daniel Fifita, 20. Matt Ikuvalu, 21. Lachlan Lam
Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Semi Valemei, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Jordan Rapana, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Iosia Soliola, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joseph Tapine
Bench/Reserves: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Dunamis Lui, 16. Hudson Young, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera, 18. Sam Williams, 19. Matthew Timoko, 20. Kai O’Donnell, 21. Michael Oldfield
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