Chloe Schibeci previews the Sunday afternoon clash between the Raiders and the Warriors. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
Canberra Raiders
The Raiders have won three of their last four games. Their most recent loss was the week before last to the Roosters. Last Saturday afternoon, Canberra won by 29 points against the Dragons. The Raiders have solidified their position in the top eight, however, are still a chance – no matter how slight – to make the top four if they are able to win their next two games with other results going their way.
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors have won two of their last four games. Last weekend, they lost to the Sharks by 8 points. The weekend before, they lost by 6 to the Eels. The two weeks before that, they had won against the Knights and the Bulldogs. Unfortunately, the Warriors are out of contention for the top eight after their loss to the Sharks last weekend.
SQUAD NEWS
Canberra 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. Siliva Havili, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joseph Tapine, 14. Tom Starling, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Hudson Young, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera, 19. Sam Williams, 19. Matt Frawley, 20. Matthew Timoko, 21. Iosia Soliola
New Zealand Warriors
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Adam Pompey, 3. Adam Keighran, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Hayze Perham, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 8. Lachlan Burr, 9. Karl Lawton, 10. Isaiah Papali’i, 11. Jack Murchie, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Jazz Tevaga, 14. Wayde Egan, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Tom Ale, 18. Josh Curran, 20. Paul Turner, 21. Gerard Beale, 22. Rocco Berry
KEY STAT
The history between the Raiders and the Warriors is pretty even. The Raiders just have the edge, winning 20 of the last 39 games to the Warriors’ 19. The last two times these sides have met, they have won one each. This time last year, the Warriors won by four points, and in March of this season, the Raiders won by 14.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Jordan Rapana v Peta Hiku. Jordan Rapana has played fifteen of the Raiders’ eighteen games this season. He has scored two tries and has two try assists. Peta Hiku for the Warriors has played sixteen games, scoring six tries for his team. Both are talented players and can be an integral part of their respective teams.
Another interesting battle to watch is Jack Wighton and Kodi Nikorima. The five-eighth position is an important part of the spine, and both Wighton and Nikorima are strong positional players.
GAME DETAILS
Date: Sunday, September 20
Venue: GIO Stadium
Kick-off: 2:00 PM
