NRL, ROUND 19, JULY 7th, 2023 CANBERRA RAIDERS v St GEORGE ILLAWARRA
WIN STADIUM,WOLLONGONG,SYDNEY
In an eagerly anticipated NRL clash, the Canberra Raiders will face off against the struggling St. George Illawarra Dragons at the iconic WIN Stadium in Wollongong, Sydney. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Raiders aim to secure their third consecutive victory and edge closer to the competition lead.
After a challenging start to the season, the Raiders have turned their fortunes around and are now just two points away from claiming a share of the top spot. With a series of upcoming games against teams outside the top eight, the Raiders have a golden opportunity to solidify their position in the coveted top four.
While the Raiders haven’t been demolishing their opponents this season, their ability to grind out victories has been commendable. Coach Ricky Stuart has instilled a resilient spirit in his team, evident in their consistent performance and ability to dig deep when it matters most.
Now, the Raiders have the perfect chance to make a resounding statement as they face a St. George Illawarra Dragons side that has effectively shut up shop for the remainder of the season. With key player Corey Horsburgh away on Origin duty for the Maroons, the Dragons find themselves in a state of disarray.
The Dragons have endured a tumultuous period, and 2023 hasn’t been any different for them. They narrowly avoid sitting at the bottom of the ladder solely due to the Cowboys’ dominant 74-0 victory over the Tigers in the previous round. However, their defensive struggles have been glaringly evident, conceding a staggering 100 points in their last two outings against the Warriors and the Sharks.
Furthermore, the absence of star player Ben Hunt, who is on Queensland Origin duty, has significantly impacted the Dragons’ performance. In fact, they have suffered nine consecutive defeats without him, and their chances against the Raiders appear bleak.
As the teams line up, the Raiders boast an impressive record, having emerged victorious in nine of their last eleven games. Additionally, they have dominated the recent encounters with the Dragons, winning six out of their last eight meetings.
Keep an eye on key players in this clash. Albert Hopoate, with six tries in his last seven games, has been a standout performer for the Raiders, while Jordan Rapana has consistently found the try line in his previous three matches against teams in the bottom four. Mikaele Ravalawa of the Dragons has also been in fine form, scoring in three of his last four games.
With the referee Peter Gough officiating, the stage is set for an intense battle. The Raiders are determined to extend their winning streak, whereas the Dragons will be desperate to salvage some pride and halt their losing streak.
Don’t miss this NRL Round 19 showdown between the resurgent Canberra Raiders and the struggling St. George Illawarra Dragons. The clash promises excitement, drama, and the pursuit of vital competition points. Join us at WIN Stadium in Wollongong,Sydney for an unforgettable evening of rugby league action.
Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Emre Guler 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ata Mariota 14. Tom Starling 15. Trey Mooney 16. Nick Cotric 17. Peter Hola 18. Matt Frawley 19. Danny Levi 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Xavier Savage 22. Clay Webb
Dragons team: 1. Paul Turner 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Moses Mbye 15. Michael Molo 16. Toby Couchman 17. Dan Russell 18. Sione Finau 19. Ryan Couchman 20. Zane Musgrove 21. Max Feagai 22. Billy Burns
Referee: Peter Gough
PREDICTION
I mentioned the Raiders don’t usually post big wins, but that should change here. The Dragons are a mess and without Hunt, they will be even worse.
The season keeps going from bad to worse for the Dragons, who copped a 52-16 drubbing from the Sharks last week, after allowing 48 points to the Warriors the week before. They are now in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon, with only the Tigers sitting between them and last place.
It doesn’t get any easier as they take on a Raiders side who scored their tenth win of the season last week. It will take something special from the Dragons to win this battle, as they have lost their last nine games without Hunt. If they are any chance of winning this match, they need to drastically improve their defence. St George have conceded 100 points in their last two games, and only the Bulldogs have allowed more points this season.
Canberra held on for yet another close win last week, overcoming the Titans 26-22. The Green Machine now sit in 5th spot on the ladder, on equal points with the Storm and Sharks above them. Another win here against an opponent they should beat and their prospects of a top four finish get even stronger.
This week provides a great opportunity for the Raiders to improve their points difference (-65) which will be key at the end of the season, as long as they turn up with the right attitude.
Raiders 13 plus points
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