After suffering back-to-back defeats to kick off 2023, the Raiders will be seeking a return to form in their first home game of the season against a Sharks side who beat the Eels last week.
Canberra surrendered a six-point advantage at the half in an eventual 20-14 loss to the Dolphins in Round 2, despite the Green Machine winning almost all of the key statistical categories across the 80 minutes.
With the Raiders struggling to make yardage through the opening two weeks – an area they rank 13th in heading into Round 3 – coach Ricky Stuart could be pondering changes to his forward pack.
On Sunday they'll face a Cronulla side who will have enjoyed a nine-day break after downing the Eels in Round 2, with fullback William Kennedy stepping up to put on a handful of key plays in the absence of Nicho Hynes.
After possessing the third-best defensive record in the regular season last year, the Sharks have leaked 26 points or more in both games this year and it's sure to be an area of concern for coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
A big factor in Canberra's favour is a dominant recent record against Cronulla, who they boast eight-straight wins against, while the Raiders won seven of their 10 games at GIO Stadium last year.
Match: Raiders v Sharks
Round 3 -
home Team
Raiders
10th Position
away Team
Sharks
12th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Team News
Raiders: A couple of late changes for the home side with James Schiller replacing former NSW Origin winger Nick Cotric (hamstring) in the starting line-up. Emre Guler will start up front with Pasami Saulo dropping back to the bench. Trey Mooney replaces Ata Mariota (hand) with Matt Frawley 18th man.
Sharks: There are no late changes for the visitors. Jack Williams returns to the side after sitting out last week with a head knock, pushing Connor Tracey to 18th man.
Match: Raiders v Sharks
Round 3 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sebastian KrisFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Albert HopoateWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew TimokoCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Harley Smith-ShieldsCentre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa Talakai
-
Winger for Raiders is number 20 James SchillerWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal FogartyHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Braydon Trindall
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph TapineProp for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Danny LeviHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
-
Prop for Raiders is number 17 Emre GulerProp for Sharks is number 10 Braden Hamlin-Uele
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Harawira-NaeraLock for Sharks is number 13 Dale Finucane
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 8 Pasami SauloInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Cameron McInnes
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom StarlingInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Royce Hunt
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Trey MooneyInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Corey HorsburghInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Jack Williams
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 19 Matt FrawleyReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Connor Tracey
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks and Dolphins are the competition's leading teams for points scored, each racking up 48 through two rounds.
- Wests Tigers are the only team who average more errors than Cronulla's 11.5 per game.
- Canberra have won their past eight games against the Sharks.
- Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton will play his 100th game at GIO Stadium.
- Sharks centre Jesse Ramien will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Raiders second-rower Hudson Young has scored four tries in his past five games against the Sharks
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .
