SUNDAY, APRIL 7th, 2024 GIO STADIUM, CANBERRA
Battle for Redemption
After disappointing defeats in their respective matches last week, the Raiders and Eels will be determined tor return to the winners circle to conclude NRL Round 5 action on Sunday night.
Canberra’s Collapse
Canberra inexplicable blew an 18-point lead against the Sharks, conceding five tries on the bounce to slump to a 36-22 defeat and you can bet your bottom dollar Ricky Stuart has made them put in the hard yards this week at training.
Eels’ Missed Opportunity
Parramatta meanwhile had the chance to beat the Tigers after the final siren, but Clint Gutherson missed a kickable penalty goal attempt, meaning they went down 17-16.
Challenges Without Mitch Moses
The Eels have perennially faced challenges in scoring without Mitch Moses, and this trend persisted last week. Dylan Brown, unfortunately, lacks the capability to effectively guide his team from the No. 7 position.
Lineup and Milestones
Raiders
1. Jordan Rapana 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Ata Mariota 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Simi Sasagi 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Kaeo Weekes 19. Nick Cotric 20. Trey Mooney 21. Zac Woolford 22. Emre Guler
EELS
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Wiremu Greig 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Daejarn Asi 20. Brendan Hands 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Morgan HarperRaiders have won nine of their last 11 home games vs Eels
Referees: Adam Gee
Side line Officials: David Munro, Drew Oultram
Video Referees: Kasey Badger;
Eels have lost four of their last five NRL away games
Eels’ last three games have been decided by a 1-12 margin
Sebastian Kris has scored four tries in five games vs Eels
Maika Sivo has scored a try in four of his last five games vs Raiders
Prediction.
The Canberra Raiders will host the Parramatta Eels in the closing match of round five in the premiership. Both teams are coming off differing losses, adding a sense of urgency to the game as they seek to regain momentum.
Following consecutive defeats, Canberra is eager to find their footing again, particularly after squandering an 18-0 lead against Cronulla in the previous round, ultimately losing 36-22 at PointsBet Stadium.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart expressed disappointment with his team’s performance and vowed to address the issues. Despite minimal changes to the lineup, Zac Hosking’s absence due to concussion protocols necessitated Ata Mariota’s inclusion.
Parramatta experienced a narrow defeat to the West Tigers last round, with coach Brad Arthur highlighting a lapse in mindset as a contributing factor. Bailey Simonsson returns to the Eels’ lineup, displacing Morgan Harper to the reserves, while J’maine Hopgood slots into the lock position and Kelma Tuilagi starts from the bench. Bryce Cartwright remains sidelined with a rib injury.
Arthur maintains faith in Blaize Talagi in the halves alongside Dylan Brown, hoping the young player will learn from the Wests loss and utilize his speed effectively.
Predictions favor the Raiders at home, but with a points handicap for either team.
Options include a 5.5 points start for the Raiders at $1.45, or an 8.5 point start for the Eels at $1.55.
The choice is yours.
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