Josh Mercer previews the Sunday evening clash between the Roosters and the Raiders.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Sydney Roosters Vs Canberra Raiders
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Date: Sunday, June 25, 6:15 pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Junior Pauga 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Turpin 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Angus Crichton 15. Nathan Brown 16. Nat Butcher 17. Naufahu Whyte 18. Terrell May 19. Drew Hutchison 20. Corey Allan 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Zach Dockar-Clay
Raiders: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Nick Cotric 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Matt Frawley 19. Xavier Savage 20. Ata Mariota 21. Danny Levi 22. Peter Hola
Referee: Ashley Klein
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Roosters overcame the Knights on a tough afternoon in Newcastle last week. After conceding the first try, they quickly raced out to an 18-6 lead at the half-time break. The Knights came storming home but ultimately fell short by two points.
The Roosters were already missing James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins due to Origin duties and had Sam Walker and Brendan Smith missing due to injury. Luke Keary left the field with a suspected fractured jaw. He has since been cleared of further injury.
The Roosters have a chance to start building some momentum and make a run for the top eight, but they need to support each other and play to their strengths. While Sandon Smith will need a lot of support around him, Keary (given the all-clear) can take some pressure off the young half.
The Raiders were lucky enough to have the bye last week. In their Round 15 clash, they were beaten by a red-hot Warriors side. It was meant to be a special night: Ricky had rested Jarrod Croker the week before so he could play his 300th game at home. But the Warriors were too good on the night, sealing the game with three tries in 12 minutes after Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad put them ahead early in the second half.
The Raiders still had their moments: Jack Wighton scored an excellent solo try, and Josh Papali’i was at his barnstorming best. They have the chance to entrench themselves in the top eight, but to do so, a win here is a must.
No doubt Ricky will be keen to make up for that loss and have his side ready to go.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Roosters 6, Raiders 4.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Raiders by six points.
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