Wests Tigers v Raiders preview

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By kick off there could be a lot riding on this one, or conversely it could have no bearing at all on the Top 8 at all. Even still, two entertainers battle in what should be a cracker at Leichhardt Oval.

The Tigers may well be battling for an unlikely Top 8 spot on Sunday afternoon, and I doubt many would have tipped it if you take into account their results prior to their victory over the Warriors. When you consider the Tigers' distinct lack of defensive reliance in their 40-10 capitulation at the hands of the Panthers, with their season on the line, even I had by that point put a line through the Tigers' ever so slim finals hopes. It was the Tigers' electrifying attack, however, that proved their saving grace on Sunday afternoon and they will need to replicate this against a Raiders side that averages a whopping 28 points a game. The home side are buoyed by the return of the experienced Chris Lawrence while Kyle Lovett also returns on the bench. The situation for the Tigers this week has been well documented - it is expected that the Titans will fall to the Cowboys on Saturday night, and in that instance, a victory over what could be a possibly understrength Raiders outfit would see the Tigers claim a Top 8 spot.

The Raiders, on the other hand, have already confirmed a spot in the Top 8, in fact, they have shown unexpected consistency over the season to claim a coveted position in the Top 4. If the Storm are to down the Sharks on Saturday night a home final beckons for the Raiders if they are to overcome a desperate Tigers side. However, if the Sharks claim victory, Ricky Stuart has made it public that he may opt to rest players, especially halfback Aidan Sezer who picked up a slight shoulder complaint in last week's win over the Sea Eagles. Yet, unless rested, Stuart still possesses an abundance of talent in the likes of Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana (who scored four tries in the Raiders' 60-6 thumping of the Tigers earlier this season) on the flanks. The Raiders won't be short on confidence either, arriving at Leichhardt on the back of nine straight victories, in which they have scored over 28 points on eight occasions.

Last meeting: Round 8 2016 - Raiders 60 Wests Tigers 6

Need I remind Tigers fans of the 60-6 thrashing that the Raiders handed them in Round 8 this season at GIO Stadium? It's also interesting to note that 10 of the past 11 clashes between these two sides have topped 37 points.

Who to watch: For the home side, look no further than the rapidly improving Mitchell Moses. Moses' efforts were key in last week's victory, boasting a try, two try assists and a line break in an impressive performance from the Wests five-eighth. His attacking brilliance will prove vital.

Deputising for Blake Austin, if Sezer is ruled out Ricky Stuart will demand more of the reliable Sam Williams. Williams, however, was a tad disappointing in defence last week against Manly making twelve tackles and missing five. An improvement will be needed there against a Tigers such with attacking weapons such as Moses across the park. His ability to direct his side will also be critical to their chances.

The favourite: The Raiders are favourites, but this is subject to change if there are late withdrawals.

My tip: Both sides possess flair, but the Raiders rank third in defence this season and this is where they hold the edge. In what should be a relatively high scoring encounter, the Raiders' ability to build pressure and maintain resolve in defence will prove to be enough. Raiders by 8.

1. David Nofoaluma 2. Jordan Rankin 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Michael Chee-Kam 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Tim Grant 17. Joel Edwards

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

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Jason Robinson