2019 Jersey Flegg Grand Final: Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Canberra Raiders V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Western Sydney Stadium
Sunday 29 September 12:30pm
Tickets:
Click here
Other game day information:
Click here
NSWRL.com.au live stream:
https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2019/09/2 ... and-final/ (Page live from 11:30am) and on the NSWRL Facebook page.
On line radio:
www.steelesports.com.au
Canberra Raiders
1. Harley Smith-Shields
2. Semi Valemi
3. Gideon Afemui
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Manase Kaho
6. Joe Roberts
7. Toby Westcott
8. Tyson Hodge
9. Kyle Paterson
10. Tom Robertson
11. Lachlan Lewis
12. Kai O'Donnell
13. Darby Medlyn
14. Jordan Martin
15. Silafano Titiuti
16. Duwayne Mariner
17. Jackson Stewart
18. Lazarus Vaalepu
19. Ata Mariota
20. Jarrett Subloo
21. Matthew Dragisic
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. James Tautaiolefua
2. Kane Allan
3. Marc Zaurrini
4. Jaxson Paulo
5. Nick Mougios (c)
6. Lachlan Ilias
7. Blake Taaffe
8. Luke Bain
9. Josh Cook
10. Aidan Manowski
11. Tallis Angianga
12. Matt French
13. Josh Fepuleai
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Bradley Zampech
16. Luke Puru
17. Iizayah Ranga-Iti
18. Tevita Taumoepenu
19. Jake Frasca
20. Muong Dut
21. Augustine Stowers
Preview
Last week: The Canberra Raiders defeated the Sydney Roosters, 22-12, in the Preliminary Final on Saturday night - progressing to the Grand Final in the club's first year back in the competition. The Raiders had lost twice to the Roosters during the regular season, but this time the Raiders were too determined and committed.
Canberra went to a 6-0 lead after just six minutes, when Kai O'Donnell refused to be stopped, barging through for an early try. The Roosters had few opportunities in the opening stanza, turning over possession and conceding penalties. But they took one of their first chances in the 28th minute, with hooker Freddy Lussick crossing. The Coby Thomas conversion levelled the scores.
With three minutes to the break, the Raiders took a deserved 10-6 lead courtesy of a try to Joe Roberts, with good work from Toby Westcott and Darby Medlyn in the lead up. Westcott couldn't convert, but Canberra held a four point advantage at half time.
The Raiders took full control of the match early in the second half. In the 39th minute, the Raiders ran for more than 100 metres for a stunning Manase Kaho try. They followed up five minutes later, taking advantage of another Roosters error - with second rower Lachlan Lewis scoring in his return match from injury. Suddenly the Raiders led 22-6 and they held onto that lead until the shadows of full time. The Roosters scored a consolation try, through Egan Butcher, with just two minutes remaining.
This week: The Raiders now face the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Grand Final. Unusually, it is a clash between fourth (Raiders) and fifth (Rabbitohs) on the ladder.
The Rabbitohs qualified for the decider with a 28-16 win over the third placed Penrith Panthers, in a five try to three victory. The Rabbitohs are on a four game winning streak - and have had to win three finals games in a row to make the Grand Final. They beat the Roosters in the final round of the regular season, before recording finals wins over the Dragons (32-24), Sharks (36-31 in extra time) and the Panthers.
The Raiders had a small "slump", losing four in a row between Round 12 and 15. That included a 28-12 loss to the Rabbitohs. However, the Raiders have now lost just once in their past 10 games - and are on a five game winning streak. They have beaten the minor premiers, the Sharks (19-18 in extra time) and the second placed Roosters in their finals campaign.
Only the Panthers finished the season with a better attacking record than the Raiders - but the Rabbitohs ranked third. And South Sydney has now scored more points per match on average than Canberra, including the finals.
The Raiders have a better defensive record than the Rabbitohs. Canberra finished fifth for least points conceded, the Rabbitohs ninth. In the finals, South Sydney has conceded 24 points per game on average, while the Raiders have conceded just 15.
Season record: Raiders 14 and 6, 2 draws (finished 4th, +211)
Rabbitohs 14 and 6, 3 draws (finished 5th, +152)
Form: Raiders: WWWWW
Rabbitohs: LWWWW
Attacking record: Raiders 28, Rabbitohs 29 points scored per match
Defensive record: Raiders 18, Rabbitohs 22 points conceded per match
Raiders record away: 10 and 2
Rabbitohs record away: 7 and 4
Recent meetings: 2019 Round 15 - South Sydney Rabbitohs 28 defeated Canberra Raiders 12 at Crestwood Oval
Raiders team changes: The Raiders have made a reshuffle amongst their back five. Harley Smith-Shields moves to fullback, with Manase Kaho moving to the wing. Gideon Afemui joins Matt Timoko in the centres. The starting forward pack is unchanged from the Preliminary Final win over the Roosters. Jackson Stuart comes into the top 17 on the bench, with Lazarus Vaalepu dropping to the extended bench. Jarrett Subloo, the regular five eighth before his injury, is again named on the reserves list this week.
Our tip: While the Rabbitohs came out on top in the only clash between the Grand Finalists this season, the Green Machine has lifted significantly since that match. The two teams aren't far apart in attack - but the Raiders have the better defensive record. And you all know how the old adage goes... defence wins Grand Finals. In addition, for some reason, the Raiders seem to love playing away - and, of course, the Grand Final is played on neutral turf. The Rabbitohs no doubt have a lot of momentum, but Canberra has beaten the top two teams in successive matches. I'm tipping the Green Machine to take the Grand Final.
Preliminary Final team statistics:
https://www.nswrl.com.au/draw/jersey-fl ... -3/game-2/
Jersey Flegg Preliminary Final highlights:
https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2019/09/2 ... ls-week-3/
(1:42 min mark)
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