2018 Rd 10 V Sharks: Game Day
Posted: May 8, 2018, 4:28 pm
2018 Rd 10 V Sharks: Game Day
Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
Sunday 13 May 4:10pm
Canberra Stadium
Gates open: 2:55pm
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: Nine, Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, 2CC, Mix 106.3
Weather: Cloudy. Mostly cloudy. Winds southerly 20 to 30 km/h. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Min 5 Max 16
Round 9 2018. Canberra Raiders 32 - Gold Coast Titans 18. The Raiders produced a good win at home, and have won four of their last five matches. The season is almost back on an even keel, with a 4 and 5 record to start the season.
The Raiders were completely dominant in the first half taking a 20-0 lead to the break. There were easily three or four more try scoring opportunities that didn't quite come off. There were some nervous moments for the Canberra Stadium crowd when the Titans scored two quick tries to start the second half. The imposing lead was reduced to just eight points. Many would have thought: "Surely not again!" The Raiders reasserted control, but in the end, they were outpointed 18-12 in the second half. It was a comfortable victory, but there is still room for improvement in both attack and defence.
2018 Round 9 Canberra Raiders V Gold Coast Titans
More on Round 9: As I saw it
The Raiders are again at home this week for their clash with the Cronulla Sharks. The Raiders are without Junior Paulo for the next 8-10 weeks (mid foot strain) - so Shannon Boyd moves to starting prop, while Charlie Gubb comes onto the bench. Craig Garvey joins the reserves list.
For the Sharks, Jayson Bukuya (virus) replaces the injured Wade Graham (hamstring) in the second row. Paul Gallen (knee) also returns at lock, with Joseph Paulo moving to the bench. Former Raider Scott Sorensen (broken hand) drops out of the squad. Former Raiders junior Jack Williams has been named to debut replacing Kurt Dillon, who moves to the reserves list. Another former Raider, Edrick Lee will start on the wing.
Late changes: All of the Raiders reserves, Liam Knight, Michael Oldfield, Craig Garvey and Jack Murchie played for Mounties on Saturday so the Raiders are set to be 1-17 for the match. Craig Garvey and Jack Murchie were the players omitted from the squad of 21 on Saturday afternoon.
For the Sharks, Jayson Bukuya has been ruled out with illness, with Kyle Flanagan the other player omitted on Saturday afternoon.
History: The Sharks have traditionally been a bit of a bogey team for the Raiders. Canberra has won 33 of 72 games against Cronulla - and four of the past 10. The Raiders are on a five game losing streak against the Sharks at home. That includes the 42-16 thrashing in Round 2 last year, and the 16-14 loss in Week 1 of the 2016 finals. Since 2005, the Raiders have won just three times at home, with the Sharks taking the competition points 11 times. Canberra has won 14 of the 27 matches played at Canberra Stadium. Surprisingly, the Raiders' best recent performances against Cronulla have come at Shark Park - a dominant 30-14 display in Round 22 of 2016 and a 30-12 victory in Round 22 of 2017. The Raiders have traditionally struggled against the Sharks away, but have now won the last four matches straight at Cronulla.
2017 Round 22 Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
2017 Round 2 Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
2016 Finals Week 1 Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
In this week's "History Happens", we go back to a glorious afternoon in Canberra, Week 1 of the 2012 finals. The Raiders produced some amazing attacking play, while Josh Papalii took on Paul Gallen and dominated him. It's the match that produced this piece of classic commentary... "Stop it, it's starting to hurt! Rugby league, rugby league!" as the Raiders scored another sensational try.
2012 Finals Week 1 Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
Form: The Raiders have a WWLWW form line in their past five matches, while the Sharks have a LLWWW record. The Sharks withstood a late surge from the Eels last week, running out narrow 22-20 winners. They also just beat the Titans in Round 8 on the Gold Coast, 10-9.
Betting: The Raiders are $1.55 favourites in this match, while the Sharks are paying $2.50. The Sharks have a 4.5 points start in the line betting.
Stat attack: It is a clash between 8th and 11th on the ladder - with the Sharks having won one more match than the Raiders. Canberra (+15) has a better points differential than Cronulla (-21). The Sharks last three victories have been by a margin of just four points or less.
The Raiders are now top four in attack, averaging 23 points scored per match, while the Sharks have averaged just 16 (14th position). The Raiders have averaged just under four tries scored per match, the Sharks just over two. The Sharks, however, have slight advantage in defence. Canberra has conceded around 21 points per match (seventh worst in the league), Cronulla 19 points (ninth worst).
There's not much difference between the teams in terms of metres gained per match (Raiders 1416m, Sharks 1396m) and average runs per match (Raiders 157, Sharks 162m). The Sharks average more kicking metres (Sharks 441m, Raiders 385m). Canberra has a slightly better completion rate (Raiders 78 per cent, Sharks 76 per cent). Both teams average 10 penalties conceded, while the Sharks average slightly more errors (11-10). The Sharks produce more offloads per match (12-10), but the Raiders average more line breaks (5-3). Average tackles required (Sharks 336, Raiders 333) and missed (Raiders 31, Sharks 29) per match are similar.
Our tip: I'm a little surprised that the Raiders are such warm favourites in this match - particularly in light of the Shark's recent record at Bruce - and it will be much tougher for Canberra to win than the odds suggest. Cronulla are without Luke Lewis, Wade Graham and Josh Dugan. But the Sharks always play tough and Canberra must get in trenches with them early. Canberra will need to have an aggressive attitude in both attack and defence. Most of the statistics suggest the teams are fairly evenly matched. But if the Raiders forwards can win the battle in the middle, the Raiders should have too much strike in attack for the Sharks. Whichever way the result falls, it should be a close match. Raiders by six.
What they're saying:
Joe Tapine: "Top eight is a big goal for us and even the top four, so we’ve been working really hard just to get our image back. Everyone ruled us out and they don’t really think anything of us after a couple of losses but we’re here to prove them wrong and we’re the only ones that can change it."
Sia Soliola: "It’s generally the responsibility of the eldest I guess, to take charge of a lot of things. That’s where my role is as one of the senior players, just to lead more by our actions. We’ve practiced over a couple of months now what our mindset needs to be like when things generally don’t go our way. We’ve always backed ourselves in attack but the questions and challenges come in our defence and that is where a lot of our improvements have come."
Luke Bateman: "I know a lot of people have been saying that we haven’t really beaten anyone so it would be nice to go out there and perform well against someone who are considered genuine premiership contenders [in the Sharks]".
Canberra Raiders
1. Jack Wighton
2. Nick Cotric
3. Jarrod Croker (C)
4. Joey Leilua
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Blake Austin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Sia Soliola
9. Siliva Havili
10. Shannon Boyd
11. Joe Tapine
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Josh Papalii
14. Ata Hingano
15. Luke Bateman
16. Charlie Gubb
17. Dunamis Lui
18. Liam Knight
19. Michael Oldfield
Cronulla Sharks
1. Valentine Holmes
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Jessie Ramien
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Edrick Lee
6. Matt Moylan
7. Chad Townsend
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Matt Prior
11. Kurt Capewell
14. Joseph Paulo
13. Paul Gallen C
15. James Segeyaro
16. Ava Seumanufagai
17. Jack Williams
18. Kurt Dillon
19. Braden Uele
20. Briton Nikora
Officials:
Referees: Ben Cummins, Henry Perenara
Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Peter Gough
Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Bryan Norrie
Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #BleedGreen #NRLRaidersSharks
The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2018 #FromAllAngles
Mounties team: Click here
Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
Sunday 13 May 4:10pm
Canberra Stadium
Gates open: 2:55pm
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: Nine, Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, 2CC, Mix 106.3
Weather: Cloudy. Mostly cloudy. Winds southerly 20 to 30 km/h. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Min 5 Max 16
Round 9 2018. Canberra Raiders 32 - Gold Coast Titans 18. The Raiders produced a good win at home, and have won four of their last five matches. The season is almost back on an even keel, with a 4 and 5 record to start the season.
The Raiders were completely dominant in the first half taking a 20-0 lead to the break. There were easily three or four more try scoring opportunities that didn't quite come off. There were some nervous moments for the Canberra Stadium crowd when the Titans scored two quick tries to start the second half. The imposing lead was reduced to just eight points. Many would have thought: "Surely not again!" The Raiders reasserted control, but in the end, they were outpointed 18-12 in the second half. It was a comfortable victory, but there is still room for improvement in both attack and defence.
2018 Round 9 Canberra Raiders V Gold Coast Titans
More on Round 9: As I saw it
The Raiders are again at home this week for their clash with the Cronulla Sharks. The Raiders are without Junior Paulo for the next 8-10 weeks (mid foot strain) - so Shannon Boyd moves to starting prop, while Charlie Gubb comes onto the bench. Craig Garvey joins the reserves list.
For the Sharks, Jayson Bukuya (virus) replaces the injured Wade Graham (hamstring) in the second row. Paul Gallen (knee) also returns at lock, with Joseph Paulo moving to the bench. Former Raider Scott Sorensen (broken hand) drops out of the squad. Former Raiders junior Jack Williams has been named to debut replacing Kurt Dillon, who moves to the reserves list. Another former Raider, Edrick Lee will start on the wing.
Late changes: All of the Raiders reserves, Liam Knight, Michael Oldfield, Craig Garvey and Jack Murchie played for Mounties on Saturday so the Raiders are set to be 1-17 for the match. Craig Garvey and Jack Murchie were the players omitted from the squad of 21 on Saturday afternoon.
For the Sharks, Jayson Bukuya has been ruled out with illness, with Kyle Flanagan the other player omitted on Saturday afternoon.
History: The Sharks have traditionally been a bit of a bogey team for the Raiders. Canberra has won 33 of 72 games against Cronulla - and four of the past 10. The Raiders are on a five game losing streak against the Sharks at home. That includes the 42-16 thrashing in Round 2 last year, and the 16-14 loss in Week 1 of the 2016 finals. Since 2005, the Raiders have won just three times at home, with the Sharks taking the competition points 11 times. Canberra has won 14 of the 27 matches played at Canberra Stadium. Surprisingly, the Raiders' best recent performances against Cronulla have come at Shark Park - a dominant 30-14 display in Round 22 of 2016 and a 30-12 victory in Round 22 of 2017. The Raiders have traditionally struggled against the Sharks away, but have now won the last four matches straight at Cronulla.
2017 Round 22 Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
2017 Round 2 Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
2016 Finals Week 1 Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
In this week's "History Happens", we go back to a glorious afternoon in Canberra, Week 1 of the 2012 finals. The Raiders produced some amazing attacking play, while Josh Papalii took on Paul Gallen and dominated him. It's the match that produced this piece of classic commentary... "Stop it, it's starting to hurt! Rugby league, rugby league!" as the Raiders scored another sensational try.
2012 Finals Week 1 Canberra Raiders V Cronulla Sharks
Form: The Raiders have a WWLWW form line in their past five matches, while the Sharks have a LLWWW record. The Sharks withstood a late surge from the Eels last week, running out narrow 22-20 winners. They also just beat the Titans in Round 8 on the Gold Coast, 10-9.
Betting: The Raiders are $1.55 favourites in this match, while the Sharks are paying $2.50. The Sharks have a 4.5 points start in the line betting.
Stat attack: It is a clash between 8th and 11th on the ladder - with the Sharks having won one more match than the Raiders. Canberra (+15) has a better points differential than Cronulla (-21). The Sharks last three victories have been by a margin of just four points or less.
The Raiders are now top four in attack, averaging 23 points scored per match, while the Sharks have averaged just 16 (14th position). The Raiders have averaged just under four tries scored per match, the Sharks just over two. The Sharks, however, have slight advantage in defence. Canberra has conceded around 21 points per match (seventh worst in the league), Cronulla 19 points (ninth worst).
There's not much difference between the teams in terms of metres gained per match (Raiders 1416m, Sharks 1396m) and average runs per match (Raiders 157, Sharks 162m). The Sharks average more kicking metres (Sharks 441m, Raiders 385m). Canberra has a slightly better completion rate (Raiders 78 per cent, Sharks 76 per cent). Both teams average 10 penalties conceded, while the Sharks average slightly more errors (11-10). The Sharks produce more offloads per match (12-10), but the Raiders average more line breaks (5-3). Average tackles required (Sharks 336, Raiders 333) and missed (Raiders 31, Sharks 29) per match are similar.
Our tip: I'm a little surprised that the Raiders are such warm favourites in this match - particularly in light of the Shark's recent record at Bruce - and it will be much tougher for Canberra to win than the odds suggest. Cronulla are without Luke Lewis, Wade Graham and Josh Dugan. But the Sharks always play tough and Canberra must get in trenches with them early. Canberra will need to have an aggressive attitude in both attack and defence. Most of the statistics suggest the teams are fairly evenly matched. But if the Raiders forwards can win the battle in the middle, the Raiders should have too much strike in attack for the Sharks. Whichever way the result falls, it should be a close match. Raiders by six.
What they're saying:
Joe Tapine: "Top eight is a big goal for us and even the top four, so we’ve been working really hard just to get our image back. Everyone ruled us out and they don’t really think anything of us after a couple of losses but we’re here to prove them wrong and we’re the only ones that can change it."
Sia Soliola: "It’s generally the responsibility of the eldest I guess, to take charge of a lot of things. That’s where my role is as one of the senior players, just to lead more by our actions. We’ve practiced over a couple of months now what our mindset needs to be like when things generally don’t go our way. We’ve always backed ourselves in attack but the questions and challenges come in our defence and that is where a lot of our improvements have come."
Luke Bateman: "I know a lot of people have been saying that we haven’t really beaten anyone so it would be nice to go out there and perform well against someone who are considered genuine premiership contenders [in the Sharks]".
Canberra Raiders
1. Jack Wighton
2. Nick Cotric
3. Jarrod Croker (C)
4. Joey Leilua
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Blake Austin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Sia Soliola
9. Siliva Havili
10. Shannon Boyd
11. Joe Tapine
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Josh Papalii
14. Ata Hingano
15. Luke Bateman
16. Charlie Gubb
17. Dunamis Lui
18. Liam Knight
19. Michael Oldfield
Cronulla Sharks
1. Valentine Holmes
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Jessie Ramien
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Edrick Lee
6. Matt Moylan
7. Chad Townsend
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Matt Prior
11. Kurt Capewell
14. Joseph Paulo
13. Paul Gallen C
15. James Segeyaro
16. Ava Seumanufagai
17. Jack Williams
18. Kurt Dillon
19. Braden Uele
20. Briton Nikora
Officials:
Referees: Ben Cummins, Henry Perenara
Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Peter Gough
Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Bryan Norrie
Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #BleedGreen #NRLRaidersSharks
The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2018 #FromAllAngles
Mounties team: Click here
Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
