2019 Rd 9 V Roosters: Game Day
Posted: May 7, 2019, 2:38 pm
2019 Rd 9 V Roosters: Game Day
Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters
Sunday 4 May 2:00pm
Lang Park
Precint opens: 11:30am
Gates open: 12:30pm
South Sydney Rabbitohs V North Queensland Cowboys 4:05pm
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, Mix 106.3
Weather: Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then tending south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h in the middle of the day. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Min 11 Max 25
Round 8 2019. Canberra Raiders 30 - Penrith Panthers 12. It was gutsy and determined. The Raiders went into the match with Jordan Rapana and Joe Tapine sidelined long term with injury. Joey Leilua was forced to withdraw on the day of the match. During the game, John Bateman - one of the Raiders' best players this season - suffered a fractured eye socket. Canberra weathered that adversity. Canberra weathered the adversity of being reduced to 12 men, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sin binned - not conceding a point. The intensity was back, the defence was tough. And the points flowed on the back of that.
More on Round 8: As I saw it
In Round 9, the Canberra Raiders head to Brisbane for a meeting with the ladder leading Sydney Roosters at Lang Park, in Magic Round. Jordan Rapana (ribs) returns to the Canberra Raiders starting line up earlier than expected, but Joey Leilua (neck) has been ruled out of the match, with Michael Oldfield retained at centre in Leilua's place. Bailey Simonsson is surprisingly named on the interchange bench, rather than the extended bench. Hudson Young comes into the team, with John Bateman on the sidelines for six to eight weeks with a fractured eye socket. For the Roosters, Matt Ikuvalu has been named to make his return on the wing, with Joseph Manu moving back to centre and Mitchell Aubusson to the bench.
Late changes: Jack Murchie (who appears to have a hand/wrist/arm injury) and Royce Hunt have been omitted from the Canberra Raiders squad of 21 to face the Roosters, while Emre Guler and Aidan Sezer remain on the extended bench. Josh Curran and Lachlan Lam dropped off the extended bench for the Roosters.
Milestones: Canberra Raiders co-captain Jarrod Croker is three tries away from leveling Jason Croker's try scoring record for the club of 120 tries.
History: The Raiders have won 28 of 61 matches against the Sydney Roosters. The Raiders have endured some long losing streaks against the Roosters since the turn of the century. But Canberra has now won six of the past 10 matches, including the last three straight. The Raiders won 21-20 in Round 2 of 2016 and 24-16 in Round 12 of 2017, with both matches played at Canberra Stadium. They followed that up at home in Round 23 last year, beating the ultimate premiers, 14-12. The Roosters scored two tries to one, but Sam Williams kicked five goals, in one of Canberra's most impressive performances of 2018.
2018 Round 23 Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters
The Raiders have never played the Roosters at Lang Park before. The upcoming match is a Roosters home game - and it is a positive the game isn't being played in Sydney. The Raiders have played the Roosters away 33 times, winning just nine times. The Raiders have won eight of 31 games in Sydney, won one game in Perth, and lost one game in Gosford. The Raiders have won six of 21 games they've played at Lang Park, and drawn one. Two of the matches, and wins, were against the South Queensland Cowboys - with all other contests to date against the Broncos.
Form: Raiders: WWWLW
Roosters: WWWWW
The Roosters are on a seven game winning streak, winning 42-12 against the Wests Tigers in their last outing and producing a dominant performance. The only game the Roosters have lost this season was in Round 1, to the Rabbitohs, 26-16.
Betting: The Roosters are raging hot, $1.35 favourites in the match, while the Raiders are paying $3.25. The Raiders have 8.5 point start in the line betting. The Raiders' odds have lengthened over the course of the week.
Stat attack: It is a battle between first (Roosters) and third (Raiders) on the ladder. Canberra has a six and two record to open the season, while the Roosters are seven and one. Canberra has won two of three games played away from home, while the Roosters have won all four games played away from the Sydney Cricket Ground, their 2019 home. The Raiders have won only one of three games played against top eight teams, while the Roosters have won five from six games against top eight opposition.
The Roosters are the best attacking team in the competition so far in 2019, scoring almost 28 points (five tries) per match. The Raiders rank fourth in attack, with an average 22 points (3.5 points). On the other hand, the Raiders are the best defensive team, conceding an average of just under 13 points (2.3 tries) per match. The Roosters rank fourth in defence, conceding 15.5 (2.8 tries) per match.
The Raiders have the better average completion rate of the two teams (77 per cent, Raiders 72 per cent). The Roosters produce more errors per game (13-10), but the Raiders have been less disciplined - conceding eight penalties per game on average, the Roosters six. In fact, the Roosters rank second in the league for errors and first for handling errors (10 per game), while the Raiders are now the most penalised team in the league. Both teams have averaged 52 per cent share of possession.
The Roosters make slightly more runs per game (176-169) and more running metres gained (1676-1527). The Roosters rank fourth for post contact metres (465 per game), the Raiders eighth (445 per game). There is not much difference in kick return metres (Roosters 193 per game, Raiders 188). Canberra ranks third for tackle breaks (33 per game), while the Roosters rank 12th (30) - but there's not much difference there either. The Roosters rank fourth for line breaks (4.3 per game) while the Raiders are middle of the pack (3.5). Both teams average around eight offloads per match. Canberra relies heavily on dummy half runs (17 per game) ranking first in the competition (Roosters just nine).
According to Fox Sports Lab, the Raiders now rank third for least running metres conceded (1324 per game), the Roosters eighth (1382). The Raiders have missed an average of 31 tackles per game, the Roosters just 25 - with the Roosters having a slightly better tackle efficiency rate.
Our tip: The tests continue to become more and more challenging for the Raiders. The Roosters are in red hot form, while the Raiders have a mounting injury toll. The Green Machine has Joe Tapine, John Bateman and Joey Leilua on the sidelines. The Roosters have also lost hooker Jake Friend to serious injury. But they still have an intimidating "spine" with the likes of Luke Keary (ranked first for try assists, with 10) and James Tedesco (ranked first for tackle breaks and third for running metres) in top form. On top of that, they have Cooper Cronk pulling the strings. Latrell Mitchell carving is up out wide and he is now the leading point scorer in the NRL - with six tries to his name. It will be a very difficult task for the Raiders to win this one.
The only way they'll do it, is for the Raiders to be at their most intense and to bring their very best defensive game - and hopefully smother the Roosters out of the match. Canberra must keep the penalties and errors to a minimum - and frustrate the Roosters into their own errors. They'll need to play just as they did against the Roosters last year.
Let's not forget that the Raiders have some of their own in very good form. Josh Hodgson was back to his best last week, Jack Wighton is dangerous in attack at five eighth, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is having a break out season at the back. The Raiders have their own point scoring maestro in Jarrod Croker. And the Raiders still have some weapons in the forward pack - with Elliott Whitehead and Josh Papalii having immense games last week. The young forwards, led by Ryan Sutton, will need to stand up. If all that comes together, the Raiders certainly have the capability to win. If I'm tipping with the head, based on form, I'd have to say Roosters by six. Tipping with the heart, I'll say Raiders in a close one.
What they're saying:
Josh Papalii on the loss of John Bateman: "It's a massive blow, he's been a big reason why we've been so successful at the start of year. We've got some good youngsters coming through and that are playing good footy for the Mounties like we saw with Hudson Young on the weekend who went into that position and did a really good job."
Canberra Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Nick Cotric
3. Jarrod Croker (C)
4. Michael Oldfield
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. Sam Williams
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson (C)
10. Dunamis Lui
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Ryan Sutton
14. Siliva Havili
15. Bailey Simonsson
16. Sia Soliola
17. Corey Horsburgh
18. Aidan Sezer
19. Emre Guler
Injury/Suspension
Joey Leilua (Neck) Indefinite
John Bateman (Eye-Socket) Round 15-17
Joe Tapine (Ankle) Round 15-17
Luke Bateman (Knee) Round 10-12
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Joseph Manu
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Luke Keary
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Victor Radley
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Boyd Cordner (c)
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaac Liu
14. Nat Butcher
15. Zane Tetevano
16. Sitili Tupouniua
17. Mitchell Aubusson
18. Lindsay Collins
21. Sam Verrills
Officials:
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Peter Gough
Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Michael Wise
Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea
Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #BleedGreen #NRLRoostersRaiders
The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2019 #FromAllAngles
Jersey Flegg team: Click here
Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters
Sunday 4 May 2:00pm
Lang Park
Precint opens: 11:30am
Gates open: 12:30pm
South Sydney Rabbitohs V North Queensland Cowboys 4:05pm
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, Mix 106.3
Weather: Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then tending south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h in the middle of the day. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Min 11 Max 25
Round 8 2019. Canberra Raiders 30 - Penrith Panthers 12. It was gutsy and determined. The Raiders went into the match with Jordan Rapana and Joe Tapine sidelined long term with injury. Joey Leilua was forced to withdraw on the day of the match. During the game, John Bateman - one of the Raiders' best players this season - suffered a fractured eye socket. Canberra weathered that adversity. Canberra weathered the adversity of being reduced to 12 men, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sin binned - not conceding a point. The intensity was back, the defence was tough. And the points flowed on the back of that.
More on Round 8: As I saw it
In Round 9, the Canberra Raiders head to Brisbane for a meeting with the ladder leading Sydney Roosters at Lang Park, in Magic Round. Jordan Rapana (ribs) returns to the Canberra Raiders starting line up earlier than expected, but Joey Leilua (neck) has been ruled out of the match, with Michael Oldfield retained at centre in Leilua's place. Bailey Simonsson is surprisingly named on the interchange bench, rather than the extended bench. Hudson Young comes into the team, with John Bateman on the sidelines for six to eight weeks with a fractured eye socket. For the Roosters, Matt Ikuvalu has been named to make his return on the wing, with Joseph Manu moving back to centre and Mitchell Aubusson to the bench.
Late changes: Jack Murchie (who appears to have a hand/wrist/arm injury) and Royce Hunt have been omitted from the Canberra Raiders squad of 21 to face the Roosters, while Emre Guler and Aidan Sezer remain on the extended bench. Josh Curran and Lachlan Lam dropped off the extended bench for the Roosters.
Milestones: Canberra Raiders co-captain Jarrod Croker is three tries away from leveling Jason Croker's try scoring record for the club of 120 tries.
History: The Raiders have won 28 of 61 matches against the Sydney Roosters. The Raiders have endured some long losing streaks against the Roosters since the turn of the century. But Canberra has now won six of the past 10 matches, including the last three straight. The Raiders won 21-20 in Round 2 of 2016 and 24-16 in Round 12 of 2017, with both matches played at Canberra Stadium. They followed that up at home in Round 23 last year, beating the ultimate premiers, 14-12. The Roosters scored two tries to one, but Sam Williams kicked five goals, in one of Canberra's most impressive performances of 2018.
2018 Round 23 Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters
The Raiders have never played the Roosters at Lang Park before. The upcoming match is a Roosters home game - and it is a positive the game isn't being played in Sydney. The Raiders have played the Roosters away 33 times, winning just nine times. The Raiders have won eight of 31 games in Sydney, won one game in Perth, and lost one game in Gosford. The Raiders have won six of 21 games they've played at Lang Park, and drawn one. Two of the matches, and wins, were against the South Queensland Cowboys - with all other contests to date against the Broncos.
Form: Raiders: WWWLW
Roosters: WWWWW
The Roosters are on a seven game winning streak, winning 42-12 against the Wests Tigers in their last outing and producing a dominant performance. The only game the Roosters have lost this season was in Round 1, to the Rabbitohs, 26-16.
Betting: The Roosters are raging hot, $1.35 favourites in the match, while the Raiders are paying $3.25. The Raiders have 8.5 point start in the line betting. The Raiders' odds have lengthened over the course of the week.
Stat attack: It is a battle between first (Roosters) and third (Raiders) on the ladder. Canberra has a six and two record to open the season, while the Roosters are seven and one. Canberra has won two of three games played away from home, while the Roosters have won all four games played away from the Sydney Cricket Ground, their 2019 home. The Raiders have won only one of three games played against top eight teams, while the Roosters have won five from six games against top eight opposition.
The Roosters are the best attacking team in the competition so far in 2019, scoring almost 28 points (five tries) per match. The Raiders rank fourth in attack, with an average 22 points (3.5 points). On the other hand, the Raiders are the best defensive team, conceding an average of just under 13 points (2.3 tries) per match. The Roosters rank fourth in defence, conceding 15.5 (2.8 tries) per match.
The Raiders have the better average completion rate of the two teams (77 per cent, Raiders 72 per cent). The Roosters produce more errors per game (13-10), but the Raiders have been less disciplined - conceding eight penalties per game on average, the Roosters six. In fact, the Roosters rank second in the league for errors and first for handling errors (10 per game), while the Raiders are now the most penalised team in the league. Both teams have averaged 52 per cent share of possession.
The Roosters make slightly more runs per game (176-169) and more running metres gained (1676-1527). The Roosters rank fourth for post contact metres (465 per game), the Raiders eighth (445 per game). There is not much difference in kick return metres (Roosters 193 per game, Raiders 188). Canberra ranks third for tackle breaks (33 per game), while the Roosters rank 12th (30) - but there's not much difference there either. The Roosters rank fourth for line breaks (4.3 per game) while the Raiders are middle of the pack (3.5). Both teams average around eight offloads per match. Canberra relies heavily on dummy half runs (17 per game) ranking first in the competition (Roosters just nine).
According to Fox Sports Lab, the Raiders now rank third for least running metres conceded (1324 per game), the Roosters eighth (1382). The Raiders have missed an average of 31 tackles per game, the Roosters just 25 - with the Roosters having a slightly better tackle efficiency rate.
Our tip: The tests continue to become more and more challenging for the Raiders. The Roosters are in red hot form, while the Raiders have a mounting injury toll. The Green Machine has Joe Tapine, John Bateman and Joey Leilua on the sidelines. The Roosters have also lost hooker Jake Friend to serious injury. But they still have an intimidating "spine" with the likes of Luke Keary (ranked first for try assists, with 10) and James Tedesco (ranked first for tackle breaks and third for running metres) in top form. On top of that, they have Cooper Cronk pulling the strings. Latrell Mitchell carving is up out wide and he is now the leading point scorer in the NRL - with six tries to his name. It will be a very difficult task for the Raiders to win this one.
The only way they'll do it, is for the Raiders to be at their most intense and to bring their very best defensive game - and hopefully smother the Roosters out of the match. Canberra must keep the penalties and errors to a minimum - and frustrate the Roosters into their own errors. They'll need to play just as they did against the Roosters last year.
Let's not forget that the Raiders have some of their own in very good form. Josh Hodgson was back to his best last week, Jack Wighton is dangerous in attack at five eighth, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is having a break out season at the back. The Raiders have their own point scoring maestro in Jarrod Croker. And the Raiders still have some weapons in the forward pack - with Elliott Whitehead and Josh Papalii having immense games last week. The young forwards, led by Ryan Sutton, will need to stand up. If all that comes together, the Raiders certainly have the capability to win. If I'm tipping with the head, based on form, I'd have to say Roosters by six. Tipping with the heart, I'll say Raiders in a close one.
What they're saying:
Josh Papalii on the loss of John Bateman: "It's a massive blow, he's been a big reason why we've been so successful at the start of year. We've got some good youngsters coming through and that are playing good footy for the Mounties like we saw with Hudson Young on the weekend who went into that position and did a really good job."
Canberra Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Nick Cotric
3. Jarrod Croker (C)
4. Michael Oldfield
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. Sam Williams
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson (C)
10. Dunamis Lui
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Ryan Sutton
14. Siliva Havili
15. Bailey Simonsson
16. Sia Soliola
17. Corey Horsburgh
18. Aidan Sezer
19. Emre Guler
Injury/Suspension
Joey Leilua (Neck) Indefinite
John Bateman (Eye-Socket) Round 15-17
Joe Tapine (Ankle) Round 15-17
Luke Bateman (Knee) Round 10-12
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Joseph Manu
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Luke Keary
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Victor Radley
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Boyd Cordner (c)
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaac Liu
14. Nat Butcher
15. Zane Tetevano
16. Sitili Tupouniua
17. Mitchell Aubusson
18. Lindsay Collins
21. Sam Verrills
Officials:
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Peter Gough
Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Michael Wise
Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea
Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #BleedGreen #NRLRoostersRaiders
The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2019 #FromAllAngles
Jersey Flegg team: Click here
Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
