Raiders v Roosters preview

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Two sides in contrasting form out for success in the ACT.

After some nervous moments against Penrith, the Raiders prevailed in their opening match of 2016, but will be without first choice halves Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin for up to six weeks. In their place, halfback Sam Williams will play his first game of the season, while 19-year-old Lachlan Croker, nephew of club legend Jason Croker, will make his NRL debut. Otherwise unchanged, Canberra will be looking to build upon last week's performance by tightening up their defence as well as using the size of their forward pack to outmuscle the Roosters. While their form at home last year yielded just three wins, the Raiders have won their past two games against the Roosters at GIO Stadium and will be out to heap further misery on the tri colours.

Having been humbled by archrivals South Sydney last Sunday, the Roosters will be looking for redemption in Canberra. In the only change from the side beaten 42-10, representative winger Daniel Tupou comes into the side in place of two-try debutant Joe Burgess, who is 18th man. With the Raiders expected to target rookie halves Jackson Hastings and Jayden Nikorima, the Roosters will need to start stronger or they may concede another large scoreline. Boasting one of the most experienced sides in the NRL, coach Trent Robinson will be looking towards veterans Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Mitchell Aubusson and captain Jake Friend to lead from the front. Having won their past three meetings against Canberra, the Roosters will be hoping recent history is on their side to bounce back.

Last meeting: Round 4 2015 - Roosters 34 Raiders 6

Who to watch: Signed by Ricky Stuart as a relative unknown to the NRL public, Josh Hodgson has proven to be arguably the Raiders best buy since joining from Hull KR last year. Capable of tearing opponents apart from dummy half, the English international has proven his worth in attack and defence consistently. With pressure from Kurt Baptiste and former Knight Adam Clydesdale to perform, Hodgson will be looking to lay the platform for the Raiders in the absence of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer.

Returning to Canberra for the first time since his infamous departure in 2013, Blake Ferguson will be keen to show how far he has come and help the Roosters bounce back from their opening round hiding. Taking over the fullback duties from Roger Tuivasa-Scheck, the one time NSW representative was given limited opportunities to show his wares against South Sydney, but provided he is allowed time and space expect him to leave a mark on the Raiders. Blessed with blinding speed, Ferguson shapes as the man to get the tri-colours back on course in 2016.

The favourite: With the Raiders missing both their first choice halves, the Roosters are expected to bounce back in Canberra.

My tip: While the Roosters will improve from last week's humiliation, the Raiders should prove too strong if they want to make a statement in 2016. Raiders by 12.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Lachlan Croker 7. Sam Williams 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank Paul Nuuausala 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Iosia Soliola 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Jeff Lima

5. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Dale Copley 1. Blake Ferguson 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Kane Evans 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Mitchell Aubusson 14. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 13. Isaac Liu 15. Sam Moa 16. Ian Henderson 17. Vincent Leuluai

Referees: Grant Atkins, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;