Raiders v Wests Tigers preview

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Old foes face off to get season back on track.

After starting the year in fine form, the Canberra Raiders have slumped to heavy losses in their past two matches. Looking for redemption in front of their homes fans on Saturday night, Ricky Stuart's men will need to be wary of the wounded Tigers, as they look to maintain their position in the top eight. With Blake Austin still out through injury, Sam Williams retains his place in the halves, while Clay Priest, Mitchell Barnett and Jarrad Kennedy have all been named on an extended bench after impressing with Mounties in the NSW Cup. Managing just two wins from the past six clashes with the Tigers, the Raiders will know the threat posed by their opponents as they look to return to the form that saw them lead the competition.

Having promised so much in their opening two matches, the Wests Tigers slumped to a fifth consecutive loss last weekend, beaten in extra time by Melbourne at Leichardt Oval. While the ladder may suggest Jason Taylor's troops have struggled in recent weeks, the joint venture has remained competitive in all the losses, pushing several competition heavyweights right to the end. Having missed last week through injury, Sauaso Sue returns to the side in an otherwise unchanged squad. Impressing in their first grade debuts, Josh Addo-Carr and JJ Felise have been retained in the side, ahead of David Nofoaluma and Joel Edwards, who shifts to 18th man.

Last meeting: Round 22 2015 - Raiders 18 Tigers 20

Who to watch: In a poor performance last week, Raiders flyer Jordan Rapana lost no admirers with a dynamic showing against Cronulla. Running for 173 metres, including two line breaks and a try, the 26-year-old has proven doubters wrong with his 2016 performances, after relegating premiership winner Sisa Waqa to reserve grade in the opening round. Forming a strong combination with Joey Leilua on the right edge, expect Rapana to fancy his chances on Saturday and cause the Tigers plenty of headaches with the ball in hand.

While Raiders fans continue to lament James Tedesco's decision to renege on a contract with the club, the Tigers fullback has proven to be one of the deadliest attacking players in the competition this season. Touted as a frontrunner for the NSW fullback position, the 22-year-old speedster has been a standout for the battling club, registering eight tries to sit alongside Anthony Milford as joint leading try scorer. Averaging over 100 metres per game, Tedesco's presence alone has kept the Tigers in every match so far this season and with the side in dire need of a win, expect the fullback to deliver a big game on Saturday.

The favourite: Despite conceding 76 points in their past two matches, the Raiders are expected to bounce back at home.

My tip: With both sides possessing incredible attacking prowess, expect plenty of points as Canberra emerge victorious at the end of 80 minutes. Raiders by 11.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Sam Williams 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Josh Hodgson 16. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Luke Bateman 17. Joseph Tapine 18. Clay Priest

1. James Tedesco 19. David Nofoaluma 3. Nathan Milone 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Ava Seumanufagai 9. Robbie Farah 10. Tim Grant 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Chris Lawrence 15. Dene Halatau
Interchange: 14. Josh Aloiai 13. Sauaso Sue 16. Kyle Lovett 17. JJ Felise

Referees: Henry Perenara, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Matt Cecchin, Bryan Norrie, Luke Patten;