Dragons v Raiders preview

St. George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders
WIN Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm

Can the Dragons bounce back or will the Raiders make it four straight wins.

After experiencing their best six weeks since the departure of Wayne Bennett, the Dragons winning run came to an end on Monday night. Despite going down to South Sydney, the Dragons were able to maintain their defensive structure, conceding more than two tries for only the third time this year. Retaining the same 17-man squad, coach Paul McGregor will be hoping his side can display more of the scintillating attack shown in stages throughout the year against the Raiders. While the Dragons hold abysmal record against Canberra overall, in their past two meetings, the merged venture has emerged as victors.

Written off by many at the start of 2015, the Raiders have delivered a series of convincing performances over the past month. Expected to falter at home against the Titans, Canberra produced a 10-try demolition to record their third consecutive victory. Having been sent back to NSW Cup following an inconsistent start to the year, Mitch Cornish returns at halfback in place of Sam Williams, who played on last week with a collapsed lung. The Raiders will also be looking to continue their good form in Wollongong, having last experienced defeat at WIN Stadium in 2007.

Last meeting: Round 3 2015 - Canberra Raiders 20 St. George Illawarra Dragons 22

Who to watch: Sunday afternoon marks the one-year anniversary of Benji Marshall's return to rugby league. Since joining the Dragons, Marshall has emerged a more consistent player, whilst still possessing the skills capable of sending supporters of all clubs into raptures. Working in collaboration with Gareth Widdop, Marshall has been at the centre of the Dragons renaissance and will play a major role in getting his side over the line.

One of the unsung heroes of the Canberra backline has been Jordan Rapana. Since coming back to rugby league following stints in rugby and fulfilling a Mormon mission, the former Titan has been an attacking force on the wing for the Raiders. Averaging over 120 metres per game, Rapana has scored in his past four matches and will be looking to help the Raiders to another win over St. George Illawarra on Sunday.

The favourite: Despite going down on Monday and their horrible record against Canberra, the Dragons are expected to win in front of their home fans.

My tip: After blowing an 18-0 lead in their Round 3 match, the Raiders will bounce back, recording their fourth straight win for the first time since 2012. Raiders by 4.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Peter Mata'utia 3. Euan Aitken 4. Dylan Farrell 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Mike Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Ben Creagh 15. Will Matthews 16. Heath L'Estrange 17. Jack de Belin

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sisa Waqa 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Mitchell Cornish 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank Paul Nuuausala 11. Josh Papalii 12. Iosia Soliola 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Jarrad Kennedy 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Shannon Boyd 18. David Shillington

Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, David Ryan; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea;

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