Round 17: Raiders v Roosters preview
Grand Final rivals meet in a showdown for fourth
In one of the most anticipated clashes of 2020, the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters will face off in a match set to have a major bearing on the makeup of the finals.
Coming into the contest with six wins from their past seven matches, the Canberra Raiders will have their sights set on overtaking the reigning premiers into the top four.
Upsetting the Roosters seven weeks ago at the Sydney Cricket Ground, coach Ricky Stuart has recalled Corey Harawira-Naera in place of Matt Timoko in the only change from the team that rallied to down the Bulldogs 34-20 last Sunday. Tied with the Roosters on 22 premiership points - but trailing on for-and-against differential by 135 points - a loss could see the side finish the round as low as sixth should results go against them.
Welcoming back a host of experienced players from injury, the Sydney Roosters will be hoping to overcome a poor historical record in the nation's capital.
Winning just three of their past 12 visits to GIO Stadium, coach Trent Robinson will be stressing the importance of maintaining a strong middle-third defensive line after being exposed when the two teams faced off back in July.
Coming into the match after annihilating the Broncos 58-12 last Friday, the side will welcome back Luke Keary and Sonny Bill Williams - for his first appearance in the NRL since 2014 - while Mitchell Aubusson and Angus Crichton could be late inclusions after being named as part of the 21-man squad. While the return of SBW is set to garner plenty of interest for the reigning premiers, the match will also see veteran centre Josh Morris become the 41st player to reach 300 first grade appearances.
Last meeting: Round 10 2020 - Roosters 20 Raiders 24
Who to watch: Returning to the Raiders' line-up after contractually sitting out last week's win over the Bulldogs, Corey Harawira-Naera will be out to make an impact against the reigning premiers. Improving with each performance since joining the club last month, the 25-year-old New Zealand international has provided strong service, predominantly off the bench, with 90 metres and 12 tackles in 31 minutes of game time on average. Set to push for a starting berth in the run towards the finals, look for Harawira-Naera to cause the Roosters plenty of headaches as the Raiders fight to secure a coveted top four finish.
After months of speculation over his ability to compete six years on from his last appearance for the Tricolours, global superstar Sonny Bill Williams will make his unexpected comeback to the NRL on Saturday evening. Returning from the 15-man code with the Toronto Wolfpack earlier this year, the unforseen events of COVID-19 have led the 35-year-old dual international back to Australia to provide the Roosters with an injection of class in their pursuit of a third consecutive title. Unlikely to have the same on-field impact that saw him turn the tide of the 2013 decider, Williams' true value is likely to be revealed in the confidence he instils in his teammates.
The favourite: Despite both teams winning four clashes apiece over the past five years, the Roosters will come into the contest as favourites.
My tip: Having been humbled by the Raiders earlier this season, the reigning premiers will be primed to return the favour on Saturday evening. Roosters by 10.
