Both sides will be desperate for the win in this lower ladder clash. The Raiders are still win-less in 2017, while the Tigers will look to rectify a poor effort against the Panthers last weekend.
LAST TIME OUT
The combined score line of the two games played between these sides in 2016 was 112-16 in Canberra’s favour. The most recent clash, a 52-10 thumping of the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
Needing to win their last game of the season to scrape into the finals, the Tigers had the chance to impress in front of their faithful fans at their spiritual home ground. It would have been a famous day for the Concord based club, if not for the presence of the green machine stopping them in their tracks.
The closest the Tigers got was 12-6 close to halftime, but the Raiders were too strong and too clinical, as they showed everyone how good they can be. If that Canberra side shows up on Sunday, watch out Wests Tigers.
KEY BATTLE
There’s no doubting if the Tigers want to have a chance than their forward pack needs to be at their best. Coming up against one of the most feared packs in the competition, featuring the likes of Shannon Boyd, Junior Paulo and Josh Papali, experienced Tigers Aaron Woods, Chris Lawrence and Elijah Taylor need to step up another level and lead their inexperienced big men.
PREDICTION
The last five times the Tigers have lost by 30+, they have won the following week. Funnily enough, prior to last week, their last two 30+ point loses were to Canberra. The Raiders will be out for blood looking for their first win, and I can’t tip against a raging green machine. – Raiders by 16
SQUADS
Raiders: 1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Luke Bateman 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Iosia Soliola 16. Clay Priest 17. Dave Taylor 18. Jordan Turner 19. Dunamis Lui 20. Jeff Lima 21. Scott Sorensen
Tigers: 1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Michael Chee-Kam 5. Moses Suli 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Sauaso Sue 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Tim Grant 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Joel Edwards 17. Jack Littlejohn 18. Junior Tatola 19. Justin Hunt 20. Kyle Lovett 21. Matt Ballin
