2019 Rd 10 V Rabbitohs: Game Day
Posted: May 14, 2019, 3:05 pm
2019 Rd 10 V Rabbitohs: Game Day
Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday 18 May 7:35pm
Canberra Stadium
Gates open: 5:05pm
Under 18s Girls Goulburn V Yass: 5:20pm
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, Mix 106.3
Weather: Morning fog and frost. Sunny. Areas of fog and frost in the morning clearing to a sunny day. Light winds. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Min 0 Max 20
Round 9 2019. Sydney Roosters 30 - Canberra Raiders 24. It was Magic Round... and a magical start to the match for the ladder leading Roosters. The Roosters thrived on the fast, dry track in warm conditions and had built a very big 30-6 lead inside 45 minutes. The Sydney outfit came ready to play, while the Raiders almost seemed awe struck by the occasion. Maybe it was Lang Park, Magic Round, playing the ladder leaders... take your pick. But a critical factor was the absence of John Bateman. He has been a key part of Canberra's new found intensity and desperation in defence. And in a number of tries scored by the Roosters, it was all too obvious that he was missing. The Raiders came back, but no team can give the Roosters a 24 point lead and expect to win.
More on Round 9: As I saw it
In Round 10, the Canberra Raiders return home to face the second placed South Sydney Rabbitohs. Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has shifted Nick Cotric to centre, given the Raiders will likely be without Joey Leilua (bulging disc) for the rest of the season. Bailey Simonsson takes over Cotric's wing spot, while Michael Oldfield deputises for an injured Jordan Rapana (posterior cruciate ligament strain). Sebastian Kris has been named to make his first grade debut on the interchange bench.
South Sydney will be without fullback Alex Johnston (knee), with winger Corey Allen taking over the No. 1 jersey. Mawene Hiroti has been included on the wing in his second NRL game. George Burgess has been named to start - but he has regularly swapped late with bench player Junior Tatola.
Late changes: The Raiders cut Emre Guler and Jack Murchie from the 21-man squad on Friday evening, with Royce Hunt and Aidan Sezer remaining on the extended bench. The Rabbitohs omitted Bayley Sironen and Tom Amone.
History: Canberra has won 32 of 55 games against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Raiders have won five of the past 10 matches - and have also won four of the past five. The Raiders lost the first match between the clubs in 2018, comprehensively beaten 42-22 at Gosford in Round 7. But in the return clash in Round 24 at Canberra Stadium, the Raiders produced one of their best performances of the 2018 season, defeating the Rabbitohs 24-12. The Raiders have won nine of the 14 matches played between the clubs at Canberra Stadium.
2018 Round 7 Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
2018 Round 24 Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Form: Raiders: WWLWL
Rabbitohs: WWWWW
The Rabbitohs are on a five game winning streak, winning 32-16 against the North Queensland Cowboys in Magic Round on Sunday. The only team that they have lost to so far is the Manly Sea Eagles, by a point, in Round 4.
Betting: The Rabbitohs are $1.70 favourites in the match, while the Radiers are paying $2.15. The Raiders have a 2.0 points start in the line betting. The Raiders' odds have shortened slightly over the week.
Stat attack: It is a battle between second (Rabbitohs) and fourth (Raiders) on the ladder. Canberra has a six and three record to open the season, while the Rabbitohs are eight and one. Canberra has won four of five games played at home, while the Rabbitohs have won four of five games played away. The Raiders have won only one of four games played against top eight teams, while the Rabbitohs have won one of two games against top eight opposition.
Only the Roosters have a better attacking record than the Rabbitohs so far in 2019. They have averaged 26 points (4.3 tries) this season, compared with the 22 points (3.6 tries) for the Raiders. Canberra's attack now ranks fifth in the league. The Storm is the only team with a defensive record better than the Raiders - indeed, up until last week, the Raiders had the best defence in the competition. Canberra has conceded 14.7 points (2.6 points) per game this year - but that just shades South Sydney's record (15.2 points and 2.7 tries conceded on average).
The teams have a similar completion rate (Raiders 78 per cent, Rabbitohs 77 per cent) and both average 10 errors per game. The Raiders are now the most penalised team in the competition - conceding an average of eight penalties per game, compared with six for the Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs have averaged 52 per cent share of possession, the Raiders 51 per cent.
The Rabbitohs rank first in the competition for runs, running metres and line breaks. They average 1675 metres from 187 runs, compared with 1519 metres from 168 metres for the Raiders - and make five line breaks per game, compared with under four for the Green Machine. Both teams average around 32 tackle breaks per game, while the Rabbitohs average more post contact metres (449-431). The Rabbitohs make slightly more offloads (nine per game, compared with eight for the Raiders). The Raiders rank first for dummy half runs (16.4 per game), the Rabbitohs second (14.1).
According to Fox Sports Lab, both teams are top four for running metres conceded (Rabbitohs third, at 1330 metres per game, Raiders fourth, at 1343 metres per game). The Raiders have missed an average of 31 tackles per game, the Rabbitohs 28 - but the Raiders have a slightly better tackle efficiency rate.
Our tip: The Raiders face another big test against one of the powerhouse teams of 2019 this week. The Raiders have, however, been struck by injury, right at the worst possible time - not that any time is a good time for that to happen. Canberra has lost their entire right edge, with Joe Tapine, John Bateman, Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana all on the injury list. The injuries have no doubt impacted the Raiders' defence - and that showed last week against the Roosters. It doesn't get any easier this week, corralling the Rabbitohs' potent attack.
It's a match that features some great clashes in the key play making positions. Josh Hodgson and Damien Cook are two of the top three hookers in the world, while Jack Wighton, now settling well into the role of five eighth, comes up against one of the form halves of the competition, Cody Walker. It'll also be a big clash of the Englishmen in the forwards - a battle of Britain - with Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead and Ryan Sutton lining up against South Sydney's Burgess brothers.
Canberra can win, and I'm tipping that they'll do it. But they can't afford the slow start they put in against the Roosters. They'll need to be switched on as soon as the whistle blows, and they'll need to minimise their errors and the penalties conceded. The Raiders defence will need to be a lot more intense than last week. But I am expecting the Raiders will bounce back at home in front of a very big crowd. Raiders by six.
What they're saying:
Jarrod Croker on the need to start well against the Rabbitohs: "Another big team. We've got a lot to work on after that, we didn't start the game well [against the Roosters]. We copped a couple of calls early on and didn't respond the way we should have. We spoke all week about starting well and getting away on teams, and they did the exact same thing to us."
Canberra Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Jarrod Croker (c)
4. Nick Cotric
5. Michael Oldfield
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. Sebastian Kris
16. Sia Soliola
17. Corey Horsburgh
18. Aidan Sezer
20. Royce Hunt
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Corey Allan
2. Mawene Hiroti
3. Kyle Turner
4. Dane Gagai
5. Campbell Graham
6. Cody Walker
7. Adam Reynolds
8. George Burgess
9. Damien Cook
10. Thomas Burgess
11. John Sutton
12. Sam Burgess (c)
13. Cameron Murray
14. Junior Tatola
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Ethan Lowe
17. Liam Knight
18. Jacob Gagan
20. Dean Britt
Officials
Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris Butler
Sideline Officials: Nick Morel, Liam Nicholls
Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Beau Scott
Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #BleedGreen #NRLRaidersRabbitohs
The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2019 #FromAllAngles
Mounties team: Click here
Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday 18 May 7:35pm
Canberra Stadium
Gates open: 5:05pm
Under 18s Girls Goulburn V Yass: 5:20pm
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, Mix 106.3
Weather: Morning fog and frost. Sunny. Areas of fog and frost in the morning clearing to a sunny day. Light winds. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Min 0 Max 20
Round 9 2019. Sydney Roosters 30 - Canberra Raiders 24. It was Magic Round... and a magical start to the match for the ladder leading Roosters. The Roosters thrived on the fast, dry track in warm conditions and had built a very big 30-6 lead inside 45 minutes. The Sydney outfit came ready to play, while the Raiders almost seemed awe struck by the occasion. Maybe it was Lang Park, Magic Round, playing the ladder leaders... take your pick. But a critical factor was the absence of John Bateman. He has been a key part of Canberra's new found intensity and desperation in defence. And in a number of tries scored by the Roosters, it was all too obvious that he was missing. The Raiders came back, but no team can give the Roosters a 24 point lead and expect to win.
More on Round 9: As I saw it
In Round 10, the Canberra Raiders return home to face the second placed South Sydney Rabbitohs. Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has shifted Nick Cotric to centre, given the Raiders will likely be without Joey Leilua (bulging disc) for the rest of the season. Bailey Simonsson takes over Cotric's wing spot, while Michael Oldfield deputises for an injured Jordan Rapana (posterior cruciate ligament strain). Sebastian Kris has been named to make his first grade debut on the interchange bench.
South Sydney will be without fullback Alex Johnston (knee), with winger Corey Allen taking over the No. 1 jersey. Mawene Hiroti has been included on the wing in his second NRL game. George Burgess has been named to start - but he has regularly swapped late with bench player Junior Tatola.
Late changes: The Raiders cut Emre Guler and Jack Murchie from the 21-man squad on Friday evening, with Royce Hunt and Aidan Sezer remaining on the extended bench. The Rabbitohs omitted Bayley Sironen and Tom Amone.
History: Canberra has won 32 of 55 games against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Raiders have won five of the past 10 matches - and have also won four of the past five. The Raiders lost the first match between the clubs in 2018, comprehensively beaten 42-22 at Gosford in Round 7. But in the return clash in Round 24 at Canberra Stadium, the Raiders produced one of their best performances of the 2018 season, defeating the Rabbitohs 24-12. The Raiders have won nine of the 14 matches played between the clubs at Canberra Stadium.
2018 Round 7 Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
2018 Round 24 Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Form: Raiders: WWLWL
Rabbitohs: WWWWW
The Rabbitohs are on a five game winning streak, winning 32-16 against the North Queensland Cowboys in Magic Round on Sunday. The only team that they have lost to so far is the Manly Sea Eagles, by a point, in Round 4.
Betting: The Rabbitohs are $1.70 favourites in the match, while the Radiers are paying $2.15. The Raiders have a 2.0 points start in the line betting. The Raiders' odds have shortened slightly over the week.
Stat attack: It is a battle between second (Rabbitohs) and fourth (Raiders) on the ladder. Canberra has a six and three record to open the season, while the Rabbitohs are eight and one. Canberra has won four of five games played at home, while the Rabbitohs have won four of five games played away. The Raiders have won only one of four games played against top eight teams, while the Rabbitohs have won one of two games against top eight opposition.
Only the Roosters have a better attacking record than the Rabbitohs so far in 2019. They have averaged 26 points (4.3 tries) this season, compared with the 22 points (3.6 tries) for the Raiders. Canberra's attack now ranks fifth in the league. The Storm is the only team with a defensive record better than the Raiders - indeed, up until last week, the Raiders had the best defence in the competition. Canberra has conceded 14.7 points (2.6 points) per game this year - but that just shades South Sydney's record (15.2 points and 2.7 tries conceded on average).
The teams have a similar completion rate (Raiders 78 per cent, Rabbitohs 77 per cent) and both average 10 errors per game. The Raiders are now the most penalised team in the competition - conceding an average of eight penalties per game, compared with six for the Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs have averaged 52 per cent share of possession, the Raiders 51 per cent.
The Rabbitohs rank first in the competition for runs, running metres and line breaks. They average 1675 metres from 187 runs, compared with 1519 metres from 168 metres for the Raiders - and make five line breaks per game, compared with under four for the Green Machine. Both teams average around 32 tackle breaks per game, while the Rabbitohs average more post contact metres (449-431). The Rabbitohs make slightly more offloads (nine per game, compared with eight for the Raiders). The Raiders rank first for dummy half runs (16.4 per game), the Rabbitohs second (14.1).
According to Fox Sports Lab, both teams are top four for running metres conceded (Rabbitohs third, at 1330 metres per game, Raiders fourth, at 1343 metres per game). The Raiders have missed an average of 31 tackles per game, the Rabbitohs 28 - but the Raiders have a slightly better tackle efficiency rate.
Our tip: The Raiders face another big test against one of the powerhouse teams of 2019 this week. The Raiders have, however, been struck by injury, right at the worst possible time - not that any time is a good time for that to happen. Canberra has lost their entire right edge, with Joe Tapine, John Bateman, Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana all on the injury list. The injuries have no doubt impacted the Raiders' defence - and that showed last week against the Roosters. It doesn't get any easier this week, corralling the Rabbitohs' potent attack.
It's a match that features some great clashes in the key play making positions. Josh Hodgson and Damien Cook are two of the top three hookers in the world, while Jack Wighton, now settling well into the role of five eighth, comes up against one of the form halves of the competition, Cody Walker. It'll also be a big clash of the Englishmen in the forwards - a battle of Britain - with Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead and Ryan Sutton lining up against South Sydney's Burgess brothers.
Canberra can win, and I'm tipping that they'll do it. But they can't afford the slow start they put in against the Roosters. They'll need to be switched on as soon as the whistle blows, and they'll need to minimise their errors and the penalties conceded. The Raiders defence will need to be a lot more intense than last week. But I am expecting the Raiders will bounce back at home in front of a very big crowd. Raiders by six.
What they're saying:
Jarrod Croker on the need to start well against the Rabbitohs: "Another big team. We've got a lot to work on after that, we didn't start the game well [against the Roosters]. We copped a couple of calls early on and didn't respond the way we should have. We spoke all week about starting well and getting away on teams, and they did the exact same thing to us."
Canberra Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Jarrod Croker (c)
4. Nick Cotric
5. Michael Oldfield
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. Sebastian Kris
16. Sia Soliola
17. Corey Horsburgh
18. Aidan Sezer
20. Royce Hunt
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Corey Allan
2. Mawene Hiroti
3. Kyle Turner
4. Dane Gagai
5. Campbell Graham
6. Cody Walker
7. Adam Reynolds
8. George Burgess
9. Damien Cook
10. Thomas Burgess
11. John Sutton
12. Sam Burgess (c)
13. Cameron Murray
14. Junior Tatola
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Ethan Lowe
17. Liam Knight
18. Jacob Gagan
20. Dean Britt
Officials
Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris Butler
Sideline Officials: Nick Morel, Liam Nicholls
Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Beau Scott
Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #BleedGreen #NRLRaidersRabbitohs
The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2019 #FromAllAngles
Mounties team: Click here
Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders