TEAMS: QRL U17 Cyril Connell Cup - 2024 Round 7
5 mins ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
What once was a hoodoo...
It's incredible to think that just a few short years ago, in July 2013 Canberra had not lost to the Dragons over 9 straight matches, and only once had the Dragons been triumphant over the Green Machine in eleven seasons.
Flash forward to 2016 and that chilly winter's afternoon three years ago is the last time Canberra notched a victory over the Red V. Over the course of three games in the last two years, the trend has reversed completely and now the Raiders are staring down the barrel of their own hoodoo.
But enough about modern history - let's talk about this season. The Dragons are the patchiest team you could possibly imagine (outside maybe Canterbury) in 2016. The only thing consistent about them is their win-loss pattern this season - LLWWLLWWL... which means if that's to continue, they're due a loss here. Their most recent showing against the Warriors prior to the rep round was stunning - the boys in the red cloth were awful against a spare-parts Warriors side and will need to improve massively on that effort to be any chance against a Raiders side hurting from a final-minute loss to the Panthers last game.
Speaking of form, the Raiders really aren't much better. After being put through the wringer by both the Eels and Sharks in consecutive weeks last month, they turned it all around with a thumping victory over the Wests Tigers 3 weeks ago, then backed into that 19-18 loss to Penrith prior to the rep weekend. They're struggling for any real consistency, partly due to the instability around their halves. With Austin and Sezer finally able to back up and hopefully get some consistency, this game represents a huge opportunity to get their season on track and push further into the top eight.
Last meeting: Round 10 2015 - Dragons 32 Raiders 18
Who to watch: Tyson Frizell - come on down! The injury suffered by Jack de Belin recently means a greater workload for an already busy Frizell. Utility forward Will Matthews comes into the side but it's Frizell's contribution that remains key to the Saints' go-forward and it'll be critical in the side's return to their spirital home this Thursday.
At Canberra, the outside back pairing of Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana is something else. Rapana has bagged 8 tries this season - but SIX have been in the last two matches! Both players have 4 try assists each this season, then when you add Rapana's 12 line breaks... well, the Dragons edge defenders have their work cut out for them.
The favourite: Canberra are in better form and I think the hoodoo thinking might still be in play with some punters. Raiders are comfortable favourites a day out from the game.
Interchange: 14. Russell Packer 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Siliva Havili 17. Jake Marketo
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Luke Bateman 16. Clay Priest 17. Joseph Tapine