2020 Rd 1 V Tigers: Teams and Previews

Post by **greeneyed** » February 11, 2021, 8:46 am

2020 Rd 1 V Tigers: Teams and Previews

Canberra Raiders V Wests Tigers
Sunday March 14 4:05pm
Canberra Stadium
TV coverage: Nine, Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, Mix 106.3

The Canberra Raiders meet the Wests Tigers in the 2021 season opener at Canberra Stadium. Jarrod Croker is likely to be missing, due to shoulder surgery, while fellow co-captain Josh Hodgson (ACL) is hoping to be fit. It is unclear if Corey Harawira-Naera and Corey Horsburgh will be suspended due to off field incidents.

So who would you like to see line up for the Green Machine in Round 1? Tell us your team here and see how you go in comparison to the official squad when announced. We will include the official line ups in the first post of this thread as soon as they're available.

OFFICIAL SQUADS

Canberra Raiders

TBA

Injury/Suspension

Josh Hodgson, Knee (TBD, possibly trials, Rd 1)
Jarrod Croker, Shoulder (Rd 3-4)

Wests Tigers

TBA

Injury/Suspension
Adam Doueihi, Suspended (Rd 2)
Zane Musgrove, Suspended (Rd 3)
Billy Walters, Knee (Indefinite)

Officials

TBA

Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #NRLRaidersTigers

The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2021 #FromAllAngles

Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders

Post by **greeneyed** » February 11, 2021, 8:49 am

NRL Round 1 predicted teams

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium (4.05pm)

Raiders predicted team: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2 Bailey Simonsson 3 Matthew Timoko 4 Curtis Scott 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Jack Wighton 7 George Williams 8 Josh Papalii 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Dunamis Lui 11 Corey Harawira-Naera 12 Elliott Whitehead 13 Joseph Tapine 14 Tom Starling 15 Corey Horsburgh 16 Sia Soliola 17 Hudson Young

Raiders players unavailable: Jarrod Croker (shoulder)

Others: Caleb Aekins, Adam Cook, Matt Frawley, Emre Guler, Siliva Havili, Ryan James, Harry Rushton, Harley Smith-Shields, Ryan Sutton, Semi Valemei, Sam Williams

Tigers predicted team: 1 Moses Mbye 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tommy Talau 4 Joey Leilua 5 Asu Kepoea 6 Jock Madden 7 Luke Brooks 8 James Tamou 9 Jacob Liddle 10 Thomas Mikaele 11 Luke Garner 12 Luciano Leilua 13 Alex Twal 14 Michael Chee-Kam 15 Joe Ofahengaue 16 Zane Musgrove 17 Shawn Blore

Tigers players unavailable: Adam Doueihi (suspended), Billy Walters (knee)

Others: Zac Cini, Daine Laurie, Russell Packer, James Roberts, Alex Seyfarth, Jake Simpkin, Tukimihia Simpkins, Stefano Utoikamanu

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 179f203d87

Johno · Post by **Johno** » February 11, 2021, 3:12 pm

greeneyed wrote: ↑February 11, 2021, 8:49 am NRL Round 1 predicted teams

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium (4.05pm)

Raiders predicted team: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2 Bailey Simonsson 3 Matthew Timoko 4 Curtis Scott 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Jack Wighton 7 George Williams 8 Josh Papalii 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Dunamis Lui 11 Corey Harawira-Naera 12 Elliott Whitehead 13 Joseph Tapine 14 Tom Starling 15 Corey Horsburgh 16 Sia Soliola 17 Hudson Young

Raiders players unavailable: Jarrod Croker (shoulder)

Others: Caleb Aekins, Adam Cook, Matt Frawley, Emre Guler, Siliva Havili, Ryan James, Harry Rushton, Harley Smith-Shields, Ryan Sutton, Semi Valemei, Sam Williams

Tigers predicted team: 1 Moses Mbye 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tommy Talau 4 Joey Leilua 5 Asu Kepoea 6 Jock Madden 7 Luke Brooks 8 James Tamou 9 Jacob Liddle 10 Thomas Mikaele 11 Luke Garner 12 Luciano Leilua 13 Alex Twal 14 Michael Chee-Kam 15 Joe Ofahengaue 16 Zane Musgrove 17 Shawn Blore

Tigers players unavailable: Adam Doueihi (suspended), Billy Walters (knee)

Others: Zac Cini, Daine Laurie, Russell Packer, James Roberts, Alex Seyfarth, Jake Simpkin, Tukimihia Simpkins, Stefano Utoikamanu

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 179f203d87

the 11 might not make it

Post by **greeneyed** » February 11, 2021, 3:51 pm

Nor No. 15.

RedRaider · Post by **RedRaider** » February 11, 2021, 4:14 pm

Sticky on radio today saying neither CHN nor HorsPower will be selected for Round 1 due to DUI activity in off season. I am hoping Emre Guler will pick up one of those spots.

If Seb Kris is ok to play in the trial match, I hope he gets a go at his preferred center spot and maybe some minutes as a right edge backrower. He is certainly quick enough, he has the defensive skills for it and I would like to see how he goes in that spot.

Northern Raider · Post by **Northern Raider** » February 11, 2021, 4:24 pm

RedRaider wrote: ↑February 11, 2021, 4:14 pm Sticky on radio today saying neither CHN nor HorsPower will be selected for Round 1 due to DUI activity in off season. I am hoping Emre Guler will pick up one of those spots.

If Seb Kris is ok to play in the trial match, I hope he gets a go at his preferred center spot and maybe some minutes as a right edge backrower. He is certainly quick enough, he has the defensive skills for it and I would like to see how he goes in that spot.

Like this idea. He's fallen down the depth chart as a centre and we lack depth for edge back rowers. The transition between the two roles is easier in the modern game. Worth a shot.

Post by **greeneyed** » February 15, 2021, 3:48 pm

Round 1 NRL teams: Mass changes as injury, discipline and player swaps cause carnage

Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium (4.05pm)

Raiders predicted team: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2 Bailey Simonsson 3 Matthew Timoko 4 Curtis Scott 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Jack Wighton 7 George Williams 8 Josh Papalii 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Dunamis Lui 11 Joseph Tapine 12 Elliott Whitehead 13 Sia Soliola 14 Tom Starling 15 Ryan James 16 Emre Guler 17 Hudson Young

Raiders players unavailable: Jarrod Croker (shoulder), Corey Horsburgh (discipline), Corey Harawira-Naera (discipline)

Others: Caleb Aekins, Adam Cook, Matt Frawley, Siliva Havili, Harry Rushton, Harley Smith-Shields, Ryan Sutton, Semi Valemei, Sam Williams

Tigers predicted team: 1 Moses Mbye 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Tommy Talau 4 Joey Leilua 5 Asu Kepoea 6 Jock Madden 7 Luke Brooks 8 James Tamou 9 Jacob Liddle 10 Thomas Mikaele 11 Luke Garner 12 Luciano Leilua 13 Alex Twal 14 Michael Chee-Kam 15 Joe Ofahengaue 16 Zane Musgrove 17 Shawn Blore

Tigers players unavailable: Adam Doueihi (suspended), Billy Walters (knee)

Others: Zac Cini, Daine Laurie, Russell Packer, James Roberts, Alex Seyfarth, Jake Simpkin, Tukimihia Simpkins, Stefano Utoikamanu

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 1543fcfa43

gergreg · Post by **gergreg** » February 15, 2021, 4:44 pm

Not sure that Tapine will be shifted after how he played last year at 13?

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Post by **greeneyed** » February 15, 2021, 4:50 pm

gergreg wrote:Not sure that Tapine will be shifted after how he played last year at 13?

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Can’t see it. Hudson Young will be in the second row IMO.

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-TW- · Post by **-TW-** » February 19, 2021, 6:06 am

Covid restrictions to change, meaning this will change to 100% capacity.

ACT coronavirus restrictions to ease as Check In CBR app becomes mandatory

Canberra Stadium can be at 100 per cent capacity for fixed seated events, but it has to be ticketed and a COVID safety plan must be in place. A ticket can be sold for every seat, while standing room still has to adhere to the one-person-per-two-square-metres rule.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14225

Canberra Stadium capacity back to 100 per cent: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-19/ ... y/13168914

Full crowds return in time for NRL season: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

Raiders allowed full houses again in 2021: https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-league ... -c-2196212

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Bay53 · Post by **Bay53** » February 19, 2021, 7:31 am

Great news. Further easing of restrictions in the ACT, including Canberra Stadium, Manuka Oval and other outdoor ticketed venues going back to 100 percent capacity from 9am tomorrow.

Lets hope season 2021 can proceed pretty much like 2019 and any season before it.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-19/ ... y/13168914

Pete555 · Post by **Pete555** » February 19, 2021, 7:19 pm

Great news about 100% capacity crowds. Hopefully no more cases arise so that this can remain all year.

I'm excited and I'll be there, but I wonder how many people will still be nervous about attending events with big crowds? I wonder if crowds will be affected/low for a while?

Does anyone know people who are planning to stay home? No judgement, I totally understand that approach, at least until people are vaccinated.

Bay53 · Post by **Bay53** » February 19, 2021, 8:00 pm

Pete555 wrote: ↑February 19, 2021, 7:19 pm Great news about 100% capacity crowds. Hopefully no more cases arise so that this can remain all year.

I'm excited and I'll be there, but I wonder how many people will still be nervous about attending events with big crowds? I wonder if crowds will be affected/low for a while?

Does anyone know people who are planning to stay home? No judgement, I totally understand that approach, at least until people are vaccinated.

I think there will be an element of that, perhaps also people not travelling to games.

I would have thought statistically you are probably far more chance of dying driving to the game than catching Covid at a match and dying especially as we don’t have a lot of 80+ year olds at games.

However, I think people do fear being caught in an outbreak and the costs of that.

The reality is if there is one infected person attend a game, regardless of whether they infect anyone else, and probably regardless of where they were sitting, chances are we will all have to quarantine. For many that can mean no pay, no opportunity to see family etc. There will be some not willing to take that risk.

-TW- · Post by **-TW-** » February 19, 2021, 8:46 pm

To be fair there's been 1 "community" case in the act since this thing kicked off.

We've been really lucky that it's been so contained here

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Bay53 · Post by **Bay53** » February 19, 2021, 9:17 pm

-TW- wrote: ↑February 19, 2021, 8:46 pm To be fair there's been 1 "community" case in the act since this thing kicked off.

We've been really lucky that it's been so contained here

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I think there were a few more than that weren’t there? There were over 100 cases and three deaths early on. Not sure if they were all acquired elsewhere.

But regardless take your point. We must be one of the least affected cities in the world.

Bay53 · Post by **Bay53** » February 19, 2021, 9:23 pm

According to the ACT Govt dashboard, we have had 118 cases, over 75% overseas acquired.

I guess it depends on what is considered community transmission. There were those uni students that went to Melb about June / July, came back and infected their housemates. Not sure if they are considered community transmission.

But I think it is safe to say no one had caught the virus off some random person sitting next to them outside.

-TW- · Post by **-TW-** » February 19, 2021, 10:05 pm

Bay53 wrote:According to the ACT Govt dashboard, we have had 118 cases, over 75% overseas acquired.

I guess it depends on what is considered community transmission. There were those uni students that went to Melb about June / July, came back and infected their housemates. Not sure if they are considered community transmission.

But I think it is safe to say no one had caught the virus off some random person sitting next to them outside.

The others were close contacts

The 1 was unknown source, which if it was today they'd probably link back to a source

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zim · Post by **zim** » February 20, 2021, 2:12 am

Watching some highlights from last year...... how filthy is our back row. Whitehead, Tapine, Bateman. After a decade of redwards and kennedy's it's surprising to look back on.

julian87 · Post by **julian87** » February 20, 2021, 6:05 am

Will be interesting to see if Stuart has any early Raiders coaching career surprises for team selections. I have a feeling we might see HSS at left centre if the skipper is out.

BadnMean · Post by **BadnMean** » February 20, 2021, 7:22 am

Bay53 wrote: ↑February 19, 2021, 8:00 pm

I think there will be an element of that, perhaps also people not travelling to games.

I would have thought statistically you are probably far more chance of dying driving to the game than catching Covid at a match and dying especially as we don’t have a lot of 80+ year olds at games.

However, I think people do fear being caught in an outbreak and the costs of that.

The reality is if there is one infected person attend a game, regardless of whether they infect anyone else, and probably regardless of where they were sitting, chances are we will all have to quarantine. For many that can mean no pay, no opportunity to see family etc. There will be some not willing to take that risk.

Yeah I think a large percentage of people are rethinking and reducing travel to other states. I have, my family has. Sure we still go places but are way more careful about where and when after almost being trapped and have canned some trips altogether.

I would personally still go to Raiders home games but big crowds are (to state the obvious) a numbers game and I'm sure there'd be enough who stay away to keep crowds lower than they might otherwsie be- given that we are in what has become a Raiders renaissance period with some absolutely great players to watch.

BadnMean · Post by **BadnMean** » February 20, 2021, 7:26 am

zim wrote: ↑February 20, 2021, 2:12 am Watching some highlights from last year...... how filthy is our back row. Whitehead, Tapine, Bateman. After a decade of redwards and kennedy's it's surprising to look back on.

So good. And all such different types of players. Whitehead skill and game sense. Tapine power and athleticisim. Bateman attitude and offbeat off the cuff stuff.

Belcher#1 · Post by **Belcher#1** » February 20, 2021, 2:54 pm

That tigers team looks pretty ghastly on paper with an average spine even for nsw cup standards. They are really going to struggle to get that 9th place this season

Post by **dubby** » February 20, 2021, 3:08 pm

They'll be ok. Lacking a 9 and consistent 7

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Belcher#1 · Post by **Belcher#1** » February 20, 2021, 3:27 pm

dubby wrote: ↑February 20, 2021, 3:08 pm They'll be ok. Lacking a 9 and consistent 7

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I'll be surprised if they are higher than 12th.

Tamou will struggle without that monster penrith pack. Twal plays like a tin man now because all his injuries and is a huge liability in defense because of his lack of mobility.
Harry Grant sparked everything for them last year; he's the biggest loss for any team this season imo. He will become the best hooker in the league.

Post by **greeneyed** » February 22, 2021, 12:11 pm

Wests Tigers prop Zane Musgrove accepts two-game ban for shoulder charge

Wests Tigers and Maori prop Zane Musgrove will miss the start of the season after making an early guilty plea, following a grade-two shoulder charge offence for a 35th-minute tackle on Tyrell Fuimaono in the All Stars match.

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/02/21/mus ... er-charge/

Thomas Raider · Post by **Thomas Raider** » February 23, 2021, 6:20 pm

The better half and I will be coming down from the 'Gong to watch this,looking forward to getting back to normal. Can't wait and go the Milk

Horace Dove-Edwin · Post by **Horace Dove-Edwin** » February 25, 2021, 4:12 pm

Tigers have recruited well.
Should we be worried about round 1?

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The Nickman · Post by **The Nickman** » February 25, 2021, 4:29 pm

Horace Dove-Edwin wrote: ↑February 25, 2021, 4:12 pm Tigers have recruited well.
Should we be worried about round 1?

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We should be worried about every game... as should the team

BadnMean · Post by **BadnMean** » February 25, 2021, 5:28 pm

Horace Dove-Edwin wrote: ↑February 25, 2021, 4:12 pm Tigers have recruited well.
Should we be worried about round 1?

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I think even Azza will be chill about this one.

zim · Post by **zim** » February 25, 2021, 7:43 pm

It's gotta be the best tigers side we've faced in a long time. Round 1 can be a coin toss but if you think we should be competing for a prem and the tigers aren't in your top 8 then these are the games we really should be winning.

gangrenous · Post by **gangrenous** » February 25, 2021, 7:51 pm

I hate playing crap teams early in the season when they have a better chance of jagging wins. Haven’t had their self belief crushed with the realisation they’re crap yet.

zim · Post by **zim** » February 25, 2021, 7:51 pm

I will add one of the things in our favour is everyone picked knows Horsburgh, CHN and Croker could be coming back into the side soon or taking away a starting spot. Creates some urgency to put in your best performance.

BJ · Post by BJ » February 25, 2021, 9:27 pm

Tigers often start OK and fall away as the season starts to drag.

We will have to be up from the first minute for the whole game. There’s always a few surprises through the first 2 rounds.

IBG · Post by **IBG** » February 27, 2021, 7:07 pm

Based on today's trial, this is the team I'd go with for Round 1:

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Jarrod Croker / Seb Kris
4. Curtis Scott
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. George Williams
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Ryan James
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Joe Tapine

14. Siliva Havili
15. Ryan Sutton
16. Emre Guler
17. Dunamis Lui / Sia Soliola

I feel like there are 2 contentious selections there:

- Havili over Starling. I do NOT think Havili is a better player. However, with Hodgo showing the type of form he did today, I can't see him being regularly interchanged. Therefore I think we just go with Havili as a utility forward. Sucks for Starling who is probably an NRL quality starter but the team comes first.

- In my opinion, our forward pack is too good to carry both Lui and Sia. One of them can get the veteran's bench spot. I just feel like Sutton, Guler and James offer more than both of them at this stage.

Green_Hammock · Post by **Green_Hammock** » February 27, 2021, 8:02 pm

IBG wrote: ↑February 27, 2021, 7:07 pm Based on today's trial, this is the team I'd go with for Round 1:

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Jarrod Croker / Seb Kris
4. Curtis Scott
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. George Williams
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Ryan James
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Joe Tapine

14. Siliva Havili
15. Ryan Sutton
16. Emre Guler
17. Dunamis Lui / Sia Soliola

I feel like there are 2 contentious selections there:

- Havili over Starling. I do NOT think Havili is a better player. However, with Hodgo showing the type of form he did today, I can't see him being regularly interchanged. Therefore I think we just go with Havili as a utility forward. Sucks for Starling who is probably an NRL quality starter but the team comes first.

- In my opinion, our forward pack is too good to carry both Lui and Sia. One of them can get the veteran's bench spot. I just feel like Sutton, Guler and James offer more than both of them at this stage.

Spot on, I can't disagree with any of that.