Josh Mercer previews the round 17 clash between the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters . This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
Canberra Raiders
After a slow start against the Bulldogs last Sunday night, which saw them down at halftime, a Jack Wighton double in the second half saw the Raiders win 34-20. The Raiders were able to keep the Bulldogs scoreless in the second half as they notched their third win in a row.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters again racked up a big score against the Broncos; however unlike earlier in the year the Broncos were at least able to get 12 points on the the board. Sitili Tupouniua, Josh Morris and Daniel Tupou all scored doubles in the big win.
SQUAD NEWS
Canberra Raiders
Corey Harawira-Naera returns on the bench this week after missing the win against the Bulldogs.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Curtis Scott 5. Nick Cotric 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Siliva Havili 10. Ryan Sutton 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Tom Starling 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Hudson Young 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 18. Sam Williams 19. Matthew Timoko 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Semi Valemi.
Sydney Roosters
Sonny Bill Williams has been named to make his long-awaited return this week, while Luke Keary returns from his injury. Angus Crichton has also been named to in the squad after being out with injury.
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. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Isaac Liu 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Nat Butcher 17. Sonny Bill Williams 18. Angus Crichton 19. Mitchell Aubusson 20. Poasa Faamausili 21. Drew Hutchison.
KEY STAT
Between 2011 and 2020 only two games have been decided by more than six points. In 2011 the Raiders won 38-12 and in 2015 the Roosters won 34-6.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Luke Keary vs Jack Wighton
This is going to be the battle to watch for this game. Both are big game players who can turn the game with a break or a try, and in a close game – like this will be – both men will need to stand up for their team.
GAME DETAILS
Roosters by two.
Date: Saturday, September 5.
Venue: GIO Stadium.
Kick-off: 7:35pm.
