Warriors v Raiders preview

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Which side will bounce back from Round 10 disappointment?

After establishing a lead against Penrith last Saturday, a second half fadeout proved costly for the Warriors, as they slumped to a 30-18 loss in Christchurch. Travelling to Taranaki to tackle to Raiders, the New Zealander's will need to improve dramatically if they are to compete amongst the logjam of sides vying for places in the lower half of the top eight. Without the services of Solomone Kata, who misses the clash through suspension, former Canberra player Matthew Allwood will start in the centres, while Issac Luke and Simon Mannering return to the starting side in a boost for coach Andrew McFadden. The Warriors have dominated proceedings against Canberra in recent seasons, coming away with wins in the past five clashes dating back to 2013.

In a moment of madness in extra time last Thursday, the Raiders recorded their fourth loss from their past five matches against the Dragons. Heading across the Tasman to tackle the Warriors, Ricky Stuart will be looking for his side to rediscover the form that saw them impress during the opening rounds of the season. While the loss of workhorse forward Shaun Fensom has been offset slightly by the return of Jeff Lima, Canberra have elected to include Sam Williams and Frank-Paul Nu'uausala on an extended bench as cover.

Last meeting: Round 16 2015 - Warriors 30 Raiders 8

Who to watch: Taking the place of destructive centre Solomone Kata, former Raider Matthew Allwood will be out to prove he is deserving of a regular position in first grade with a strong performance. Set to face off against Canberra tyro Joey Leilua, the 23-year-old has shown glimpses of potential in limited opportunities so far, and with their season teetering into precarious territory the Warriors will eager for the centre to deliver.

Among the Raiders best contributors over the past few seasons, prop Paul Vaughan will be out to boost his credentials on Saturday, with representative sides set to be named next week. Renown for his ability to break defences and find the tryline, Vaughan will have his mind on helping Canberra find consistency, while a strong performance will ensure he is considered for higher honours down the road.

The favourite: While both sides come into the clash with inconsistent form lines, the Warriors are favoured to come away with the two points.

My tip: A moment of madness may have cost the Raiders last week, but with a chance to atone look for the visitors to come out on top. Raiders by 8.

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Matthew Allwood 5. David Fusitua 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Sam Lisone 16. John Palavi 17. James Gavet 18. Toafofoa Sipley

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Luke Bateman
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Jeff Lima 16. Clay Priest 17. Joseph Tapine 18. Sam Williams 19. Frank Paul Nuuausala

Referees: Grant Atkins, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Shane Rehm, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea