Raiders v Sharks preview - 2017 Round 2

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Nations' capital hosts Qualifying Final replay.

In one of the games of the round, the Cronulla-Canberra rivalry looks to add another chapter to the story with the reigning Premiers Cronulla looking to repeat their upset victory from last year's Qualifying Final and walk away from Canberra with two valuable competition points.

The Sharks looked off the pace to Brisbane last week and will again be without talented Fullback Valentine Holmes. They struggled to contain the forward pack of the Broncos last Thursday and seemingly fell apart in the second half as fatigue played a part. They will need to improve ten-fold to challenge this star studded Canberra side that has already firmed as Premierships favourites despite last week's defeat.

Canberra on the other hand will be out for revenge. The painful defeat last year effectively derailed their Premiership campaign after what was a very promising 2016 season. Not to mention Michael Ennis infamous "viking clap", the Raiders fans would love to see their side record victory and thus open up their 2017 account after last week's heartbreaking defeat to the North Queensland Cowboys.

The returns of Jack Wighton and monster prop Junior Paulo greatly bolsters the Raiders side, whilst Scott Sorensen the nephew of Sharks great Kurt Sorensen will make his Canberra debut after playing three games for the Sharks in 2014 (including his debut which was against Canberra).

Last meeting: Finals Wk 1 2016 - Raiders 14 Sharks 16

The Sharks and Raiders split the season spoils one a piece last season with the Sharks winning the blockbuster Qualifying Final match up. Cronulla has won the last four games at GIO Stadium, with the Raiders last win at home against the Sharks coming in the Elimination Final of 2012. In all matches at GIO Stadium the Raiders hold a 14-12 advantage from 26 matches.

Who to watch: The home side will welcome the return of bulking Prop Junior Paulo after missing the clash against the Cowboys. Despite a gallant effort by the Raiders they were unable to get the win and will hope the return of the 110kg forward can bring them success. Paulo's battle with the experienced Sharks forward pack will be a delight for league fans to view. Look as he tries to get over the advantage line and bend back the defensive line of the Sharks to give his side (and in particular his backs) a chance to build off that platform. No doubt he will be jostling with Andrew Fifita and that battle itself will be worth the admission fee alone. This clash between opposition forwards could be the highlight and will also be where the match will be won.

The Sharks attack will heavily rely on their forward pack building a platform for the Sharks backs to work off and if they do win the battle in the engine room look for Edrick Lee to have a big game against his former club. Pretty often we see players star against their former club/clubs and I don't expect that to be any different in Lee's case. It's been a whirlwind turn around for Lee after training with Canberra less than two weeks ago before moving up to the Shire and playing in the Round one tilt with Brisbane. He looked a little lost and underdone in the match against the Broncos but will be better for the run as well as getting some more training sessions under his belt. Superb in the air, look for James Maloney to aim to his corner more than a few times on Saturday. Lee's kick return metres will also be vital for starting field position for the Sharks. Look for him to have a big game on Saturday.

The favourite: Canberra are firm favourites for this match at home.

My tip: Even though I feel the Sharks could cause the upset in this match, it's too much to tip against the Raiders at home with players returning. They looked sharp for large periods of the game against the Cowboys and expect that to flow onto this game as they look to register their first win of season 2017. The Sharks need to win this game in the forwards and out-muscle the Raiders if they want to have nay chance. Should be a cracking game full of points. Raiders by 8.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Elliot Whitehead 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Iosia Soliola 13. Luke Bateman 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Jeff Lima 17. Scott Sorenson

3. Jack Bird 2. Sosaia Feki 19. Kurt Capewell 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Edrick Lee 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 20. Joseph Paulo 21. Jeremy Latimore

Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Bryan Norrie;