Wests Tigers
10
Match Complete
Canberra Raiders
56
| 78 |  | J. Rapana | ||
| 68 |  | J. Rapana | ||
| 67 |  | J. Papalii | ||
| 55 | | J. Rapana | ||
| 53 | | H. Young | ||
| K. Maumalo | | 48 | ||
| A. Doueihi | | 46 | ||
| D. Laurie | | 45 | ||
| 32 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 31 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 30 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 28 | | X. Savage | ||
| 27 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 26 | | H. Young | ||
| 21 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 20 | | J. Rapana | ||
| 13 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 12 | | N. Cotric | ||
| 11 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 9 | | S. Kris | ||
| 6 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 5 | | M. Timoko |
| 2 | Tries | 9 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 9 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The regular season of NRL Premiership wraps up this afternoon when the Wests Tigers host the Canberra Raiders at Leichardt Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:05pm (AEST).
By the time game time rolls around, the Canberra Raiders will know exactly what they need to do to progress to the finals. Unless the Broncos flog the Dragons the day before, a win is likely enough.
The end of the season can’t come quick enough for the Tigers. The wooden spooners just keep finding new ways to lose. The last-minute defeat by the Dragons was cruel, but the Tigers gave them the opportunity. Not knowing the rules is just inexcusable.
Tim Sheens’ job over the off-season is far from easy. He has to attract quality players to the club, which may necessitate a clean-out. The Tigers do have some talented juniors but they are not yet ready for week-to-week first-grade football.
The Tigers do get some big ins, with James Tamou, Luke Garner and Ken Maumolo all named. Zane Musgrove will start from the bench, as will Tyrone Peachey.
The Raiders’ finals charge has gone from improbable to almost assured in the space of two weeks. The 48-6 defeat of a poor Manly side last weekend definitely helped.
The Raiders are built around their front row pairing of Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine. However, what we have found recently is that Jack Wighton is enjoying a purple patch, and this is bringing out the best in the young Raiders’ backline.
Nick Cotric returns on the wing, forcing Albert Hopoate out of the squad, which is the only change for Canberra.
Prediction
The Tigers are a different proposition at Leichhardt. It is their spiritual home. With Tamou and probably a number of others playing their last game for the club, Wests have plenty to play for.
However, Canberra will want to win this to finalise their spot in the 8.
The Raiders pack should eventually get on top, and I do expect them to win comfortably.
Game Information
Kick-off: 4.05pm AEST
Venue: Leichardt Oval
TV/Stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, Nine Network
Odds: Tigers $3.80, Raiders $1.27 – odds via PlayUp
Tigers
1. Daine Laurie 2. Brent Naden 3. Starford To’a 4. Luke Garner 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Jock Madden 8. James Tamou 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Tom Freebairn 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Fa’amanu Brown
Interchange: 14. Fonua Pole 15. Zane Musgrove 16. Tyrone Peachey 17. Austin Dias
Raiders
1. Xavier Savage 2. Nic Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10.Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott
Interchange: 14. Tom Starling 15. Elmer Guler 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Corey Harawira-Naera
Noel
Roar Rookie
I agree. That was as bad a gig is you could get. Almost like he was holding the whistle at training when the music stopped....
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
To be honest I feel a bit sorry for him . It's the management that is an embarrassment.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Really thought the Tigers would put up a fight today
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks all for following the blog this afternoon and now we look forward to finals footy
David Holden
Roar Guru
That was a better performance from the Tigers in the second half but the damage was already done. The Tigers pick up the wooden spoon whilst the Raiders finally confirmed that they will play semis. They take on the Storm in a sudden death semi next weekend
Stormy
Roar Rookie
David, your name was meant to be in my comments above. So sorry.
78
David Holden
Roar Guru
FULL TIME RAIDERS DEFEAT TIGERS 56-10
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' To'a with a carry. Shift left for Naden. Kick and Cotric takes it on Full Time Tigers 10 Raiders 56
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Well done for sticking with it today. Raiders had a training run 1st half, with Tigers showing some spirit after Raiders rested their stars. Not a fun game to watch. I hope the Finals will be competitive & entertaining.
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' Horsburgh brings it back. Savage with a carry. CHN with good metres. Early kick for Laurie Tigers 10 Raiders 56
David Holden
Roar Guru
79' PENALTY GOAL RAIDERS Rapana runs down the clock and adds a penalty goal Tigers 10 Raiders 56
Snoopy
Guest
Perfect example of the hypocrisy of foxsports commentators, hipdrop tackle by west/tigers player, Alexander and Co. make excuses, if it had been a Melbourne player it would be replayed on numerous occasions and demands for a lengthy suspension.
Stu Wallace
Guest
Losing by 40, mouthing off and being niggly. What a terrible team. One of the worst ever in the NRL
David Holden
Roar Guru
78' Hosrburgh goes forward. Musgrove had dropped the forearm and is sent to the bin Tigers 10 Raiders 54
David Holden
Roar Guru
77' Guler goes forward. Horsburgh follows up. Good run from Hopoate. Kick is taken by CHN and he passes back to Guler who claims the try. High contact from Naden and Guler is held up. Penalty Raiders Tigers 10 Raiders 54
David Holden
Roar Guru
76' Musgrove penalised for a high shot Tigers 10 Raiders 54
David Holden
Roar Guru
75' Rapana with a carry. Guler goes forward. We've got a bit of a melee as the fire alarm rings Tigers 10 Raiders 54
David Holden
Roar Guru
74' To'a with a carry. Shift left to Naden. Doueihi with the ball for Pole. Kick has bounced into touch Tigers 10 Raiders 54
David Holden
Roar Guru
73' Elliott goes forward. Starling with a dart. Rapana with a carry. Kick with Laurie Tigers 10 Raiders 54