FRIDAY, JULY 19th 2024 GIO STADIUM,CANBERRA
Raiders and Warriors Aim to Bounce Back
Both the Raiders and the Warriors had a bye last round, providing them with a chance to recover from their narrow losses in Round 18.
Warriors’ Narrow Defeat and Injury Woes
The Warriors were made to fight against the Bulldogs and would consider themselves unlucky to walk away without any points after losing 13-12 to a Matt Burton field goal in extra time, after a referee and bunker stuff up..
The game further depleted the team, leaving them with only one player on the bench. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (head knock), and Marcelo Montoya (groin) were all unable to finish the match due to injuries.
Key Players Under Watch for Origin Decider
Warriors coach Andrew Webster will be closely monitoring forwards Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell during Wednesday night’s Origin decider to determine if they will be fit to back up.
Raiders’ Close Call Against Newcastle
The Raiders also suffered a narrow defeat at home against Newcastle, with the return of star fullback Kalyn Ponga inspiring the visitors to a 16-12 victory.
In this game there were two head high tackles in two minutes, and no penalty, no sin bin.
How is the public meant to understand the game, when the ordinary officials don’t understand.?
Canberra’s Home Struggles
Canberra has struggled at home this season, losing their last four games at GIO Stadium, and will be determined to make amends against the visitors on Friday night.
Injury Boost for Raiders
The Raiders have a significant boost with halfback Jamal Fogarty set to play his first game since suffering a biceps injury in Round 7. Additionally, Hudson Young returns to the back row after recovering from a groin problem, and Zac Hosking is back from a shoulder injury. Seb Kris has been recalled in the centres for his first game since Round 16. Albert Hopoate, Simi Sasagi and Emre Guler all make way.
Raiders
Kaeo Weekes, Jordan Rapana, Matthew Timoko, Sebastian Kris, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty; Josh Papalii, Tom Starling, Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young, Elliott Whitehead, Morgan Smithies. Danny Levi, Trey Mooney, Ata Mariota, Zac Hosking. Adam Cook, Albert Hopoate, Simi Sasagi, Zac Woolford, Emre Guler.
Warriors’ Team Changes Due to Injuries
Injuries to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf) and Marcelo Montoya (groin) have forced another reshuffle with Taine Tuaupiki to start at fullback, Ali Leiataua in the centres and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the wing. Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell are named to back up from Origin. Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been named to play despite suffering a head knock in Round 18.
Warriors Skipper Out for the Season
Skipper Tohu Harris has been ruled out for the season with a wrist injury.
Warriors
Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin; Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Marata Niukore, Kurt Capewell, Dylan Walker. Freddy Lussick, Jackson Ford, Jazz Tevaga, Leka Halasima. Tom Ale, Bunty Afoa, Edward Kosi, Moala Graham-Taufa, Jacob Laban.
Referee: Todd Smith, Touch Judges. Belinda Sharpe, Peter Gough, Bunker. Liam Kennedy
Historical Stats and Predictions
The Raiders have won only one of their past five games against the Warriors.
Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored five tries in his last seven games v Raiders.
Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes has scored five tries in his past six games.
The Warriors have won only three from nine in Australia this season.
The Raiders have lost their last four games at GIO Stadium.
Prediction
Well I would love to back the Warriors in this one, but I do have my doubts. The Raiders will be tough at home, and both sides are desperate for a win.
I don’t have any faith in the officials any more. They either are unaware of the rules, definitely biased, and just so bad at their job.
Maybe the game is to fast for these officials, with bad mistakes in almost every game. Some are howlers, and nothing happens to them .The NRL picks them the following week. Players and coaches get sacked on results, Officials nothing.
The NRL comes out on Monday and admits the Officials were wrong, but teams don’t get points for that. And then they pick the same officials the next weekend. So Wrong.
For me, scrap the Bunker for starters. They are hopeless.
Scrap Golden Point. What’s wrong with a draw? Rugby Union, AFL, and Soccer, all have a draw. No Problems. Give each side one point.
There need to be a serious discussion about Origin as well. Several clubs have multiple players picked for their State, leaving the club with less talented players filling the gap. Then there are injuries and players backing up after a huge game. A lot of clubs have zero players picked for their state, giving them an advantage.
Maybe a Monday night would be better, giving the players more time to recover.
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