SATURDAY MAY 25th 2024 GIO STADIUM, CANBERRA
Raiders vs Roosters: Clash of Titans in Indigenous Round at GIO Stadium, Canberra
Five years after their contentious grand final clash, the Raiders and Roosters are set to face off in a pivotal match for both teams as they approach the State of Origin period. The youthful Raiders squad, despite enduring two significant losses, has bounced back with impressive victories against Manly and Canterbury, securing sixth place on the ladder. Meanwhile, the Roosters’ three-match winning streak was halted abruptly by Cronulla at Magic Round, leaving them in seventh position.
Indigenous Round Celebrations
The match will also be part of the NRL’s Indigenous Round, with both sides debuting new jersey designs to mark the occasion.
The Raiders jersey follows the theme “where the water meets the land” and features numerous landmarks from Ngunnawal country and each Indigenous players’ totems, along with multiple symbols representing men, women, and children for all Raiders fans around Australia.
Roosters’ Tribute to Ron Saddler
For the third consecutive year, the Roosters have embraced the name Gadigal Roosters for this round, honoring the occasion. Additionally, they will don a special jersey dedicated to Ron Saddler, a revered Wiradjuri man who notably played 118 games for the club during the 1960s and ’70s. Saddler holds the distinction of being the first Indigenous Australian to captain New South Wales.
Team Changes
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has been compelled to make one change, as Josh Papalii serves a one-week suspension for his hip drop on Viliame Kikau. Peter Hola steps in to fill Papalii’s shoes, marking his first appearance in the top grade for 2024.
On the other hand, the Roosters welcome back Joseph Manu from concussion, replacing Fetalaiga Pauga. However, they suffer the loss of Connor Watson to a throat injury, with Sandon Smith taking his place. Additionally, Nat Butcher has been omitted from the side, leading to Victor Radley’s shift to the edge and Naufahu Whyte’s inclusion as starting lock. In positive news for the club, Luke Keary cleared his HIA in the final minutes of Saturday night’s loss.
Team line-ups
RAIDERS
1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 8. Emre Guler 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies, 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Peter Hola , 18. Albert Hopoate 19. Zac Woolford 20. Simi Sasagi 21. Michael Asomua 22. Hohepa Puru
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Naufahu Whyte , 14. Sandon Smith 15. Egan Butcher 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Terrell May , 18. Fetalaiga Pauga 19. Nat Butcher 20. Siua Wong 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Ethan King
Referee: Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Drew Oultram, Bunker, Adam Gee
I can only hope that Adam Gee is better in the bunker ,than as a referee. Last nights game Dogs v Dragons, I had to turn off after 50 minutes. The decisions he made as a ref along with the Blind Kasey Badger, were terrible. I am not sure they would get any better in the latter stages of the game.
Badger watches a forward pass from the Dogs which led to a try. She was in line watching the ball go 2 meters forward. What an embarrassment for the game.
Key Stats and Predictions
The Raiders have won six of their past eight games against the Roosters at GIO Stadium.
The Roosters have averaged 42 points per game over the past month.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has won seven of 17 games against the Roosters’ Trent Robinson.
Roosters winger Dominic Young has scored six tries in his last four games.
Raiders prop Joseph Tapine will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Prediction
I think the Roosters will be disappointed in their loss last week, but Canberra at home are tough.
For betting I like Canberra with a 15.5 points start @$1.60, but the chooks should win, I think.
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