Raiders v Tigers preview

Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers
GIO Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

Raiders treading water - Tigers desperate to avoid the spoon.

For many this clash is one of many in the last six weeks of the competition which will serve little purpose but to prepare for the 2016 season. For the Raiders, however, they're still gunning for the final spot in the top eight despite the better form and run home of the teams above them.

One thing the hosts will want to keep an eye on is how close the contest is. Too often at home this season, Canberra have found themselves in close contests only to lose in heartbreaking circumstances. One only needs to think back to the same clash between these sides in the finals a few years back where a missed Jarrod Croker penalty goal saw the Green Machine bundled out.

Wests Tigers have just one aim - to avoid the spoon. Newcastle's form notwithstanding, the away side for this clash won't want the dreaded tag, and while they have the chance to face off against the Knights next week, their game plan for this match is simple - just win the damn thing.

Last meeting: Round 7 2015 - Wests Tigers 22 Canberra Raiders 30

Who to watch: Blake Austin is the key for the Raiders if they're going to maintain their unlikely finals tilt. Austin's control in the halves has delivered a few surprise victories for the Green Machine in 2015 and will again be key here. Despite their position, the Tigers are capable of plenty and it will be Austin's job to ensure Canberra are well ahead of the game as the visitors come sniffing.

The Wests Tigers have been able to count on James Tedesco as they rally to avoid the spoon, and Monday's clash will be no different. "Hot Sauce" can turn a game on a dime, just like Austin can for Canberra, and will rate his chances on a chilly night in the nation's capital.

The favourite: Unsurprisingly, the higher placed Raiders are comfortable favourites at the TAB.

My tip: The Raiders can't keep losing close ones at home - they'll get the choccies here by 2.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Sam Williams 8. Frank Paul Nuuausala 9. Glen Buttriss 10. David Shillington 11. Josh Papalii 12. Jarrad Kennedy 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Shannon Boyd

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Tim Simona 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Dene Halatau 13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett 15. Jack Buchanan 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Brenden Santi 18. Manaia Cherrington

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Henry Perenara; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sleeman, Peter Gough; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Phillips;

Check out all the action live in our Match Centre