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Match Preview

Raiders v Roosters: Hola in for Papa; Watson sidelined

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The Raiders and Roosters renew their rivalry in Round 12 with both looking to consolidate a spot in the top eight and make a statement against a fellow contender.

After conceding 74 points in losses to the Broncos and Sharks in Round 7-8 the Raiders have turned the corner in a big way with comeback wins over the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs to sit sixth on the ladder.

The form of youngsters Ethan Strange, Kaeo Weekes and Xavier Savage has been a breath of fresh air in the national capital and there's a real buzz around the Green Machine on the back of coach Ricky Stuart re-signing until 2029.

The Roosters racked up a mammoth 138 points in wins over the Dragons, Broncos and Warriors before going down 38-30 to the Sharks in a quality contest at Magic Round.

Coach Trent Robinson may not have been thrilled with the 38 points conceded but he'll be liking what he sees in attack from his livewire No.7 Sam Walker and his powerhouse outside backs, while back-rowers Angus Crichton and Victor Radley are also in top form.

In seven clashes between the sides since the 2019 grand final it's the Raiders holding a slender 4-3 advantage, which suggests another tight encounter is on the cards at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Raiders v Roosters

Team News

Raiders: Will take the field as named, with Albert Hopoate the replacement player. Jordan Rapana and prop Joseph Tapine are both good to go after receiving monetary fines for charges picked up in Round 11. 

Roosters: Joey Manu returns from the concussion protocol and forms part of a Roosters side which will take the field as named mid-week. Victor Radley will start on an edge and Naufahu Whyte comes in at lock. Junior Pauga is the 18th man. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana
    Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
  • Winger for Raiders is number 2 Nick Cotric
    Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
  • Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko
    Centre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i
  • Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris
    Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
  • Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
    Winger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic Young
  • Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
    Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
  • Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Kaeo Weekes
    Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Forwards

  • Prop for Raiders is number 8 Emre Guler
    Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 
  • Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Danny Levi
    Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
  • Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
    Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
  • 2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
    2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
  • 2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
    2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Victor Radley
  • Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies
    Lock for Roosters is number 13 Naufahu Whyte

Interchange

  • Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
    Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Sandon Smith
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Ata Mariota
    Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Trey Mooney
    Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Spencer Leniu
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Peter Hola
    Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May

Reserves

  • Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Albert Hopoate
    Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Fetalaiga Pauga

Match Officials

  • Referee: Todd Smith
  • Touch Judge: Jon Stone
  • Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
  • Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • The Raiders have won six of their past eight games against the Roosters at GIO Stadium.
  • The Roosters have averaged 42 points per game over the past month.
  • Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has won seven of 17 games against the Roosters’ Trent Robinson.
  • Roosters winger Dominic Young has scored six tries in his last four games.
  • Raiders prop Joseph Tapine will make his 200th NRL appearance.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the . 

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Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.