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 |
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.
Game information
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
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Just watched Robinson's presser for the first time last night - he is a quality human being - very honest and prepared to accept responsibility for them going out in straight sets when many others would be looking for excuses. The Roosters have been worthy champions for the past two years. Thankfully there weren't any howlers from the refs in this final to grab all the attention. Instead it was left to the two teams to decide the winner. Thought Ricky was very good in his presser as well.
Rob
Guest
Hmmm that sounds very sour? My team won the last game of the season against our horrible southern cousins (only as good your last game) this year’s “9” and 2015 GF. I just love the Raiders getting a bit of shot over the buy your way, get all the favours (least travel and home ground final) to a premiership Rooster mob.
Taree Raider
Guest
Klien was very good. What this game showed is that if the Roosters are treated the same as their opposition they can't dominate the game. The Souths game was the first time they have to play with the 'six again' count against them. That didn't end well. Cooper Cronk was what won the Chooks their two premierships. Not so much in the big dance, but in the way he stuck to their game plan each and every time he played over those two years. Without Cooper the Chooks are a much lesser side. As we have witnessed over this season. I have loved the way that Robinson the 'Super Coach' is reacting to a period of mediocre results. He is like Roger Federer, a gracious winner. Losing brings out the 'real' person they are. Bring on the Storm. For the first game in a long time the Raiders were really up for it. They ran hard, tackled hard & dominated the game when it mattered. That's what I want to see from my team. Have a red hot go & I'm happy. Tarpine is playing without injury & it shows. 10/10
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
I've been a critic of Ashley Klein in the past but he put in a great refereeing performance tonight - let the game flow but made correct decisions when they were required
Rossi
Roar Rookie
Fair call
Footlong
Roar Rookie
You haven’t won anything yet...
Tom G
Roar Rookie
He is an exceptional talent but still mystified how his presence at the Roosters was accommodated under that giant sombrero .. and please it wasn’t the Wolfpack subsidy
JVGO
Guest
Career reserve grader Flanno. The real kid is his mate Brayley.
JVGO
Guest
Hargreaves two high shots and the Keary injury cost them the game. Three peat wouldn't have been really deserved. They aren't that much better than everyone else and were lucky last year. but great game all up. Souths Canberra GF would be great.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Don't know if it was mentioned at the time with Wighton's disallowed try Flanagan was a mile offside when "obstructed" by Croker, and should not have been part of the play. Don;t know why the bunker couldn't see that.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Tapine has had a breakout year - a world class player now for mine - and Papa has been world class for a number of years
Rob
Guest
Now for the Robo’s the best coach (especially considering finals) cheerleaders. Zero from 2 before Cronk. 6 straight wins with Cronk. Zero from 2 when Cronk leaves? For those who believe Cronk was just benefiting from others he played with? Remember JT was out and the Cowboys went all the way until they ran into Cronk in the big dance in 2017.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Quietly confident DPS - we've got a good recent record against the Storm - but they will be hard to beat at Suncorp
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Just a run?? I honestly don't think Storm are ready. One game in a month for most of them and they will start slow. Your boys get a lead and they are looking good. :thumbup:
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Congrats Canberra. Better team on the night. Great effort Easts. Tough, hard season. Who to go for now? Probably Parra.
Tony the VIC pirate
Tapine and pap for me...just solid and mature
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
I think CNK may have edged past Jordan Rapana as my favourite Raiders player - such courage and commitment - he saved a couple of tries tonight that could have turned the match
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Thanks DPS - boys were very brave tonight against a gallant Roosters outfit - I think we can give the Storm a run for their money
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
It's the "sombrero effect", makes all the Roosters players happy...
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
We still have two games in us Tom - timing it to perfection