Round 2: Sharks v Raiders preview
For the second week in a row, Kogarah plays host to Sunday night Football. Two opening round winners battle it out for the chance to go 2 from 2 as the Cronulla Sharks play host to the Canberra Raiders.
Although both sides on paper looked impressive winners, they each had their own struggles - with the Sharks starting fast and hitting a few speed bumps in the middle, whilst Canberra started slowly and found speed in the second half of their clash with the Tigers.
Cronulla were able to maintain a good start last week in tough conditions, as their ball security was able to help them to a 14-0 halftime lead against the Dragons. The issues came in the second half when the home side were able to hit back after some sloppy work that eventually saw them concede the lead to the Red ‘V', only to be saved by the NRL Bunker.
The Shire side were then able to battle back and find their rhythm from that point and were able to keep their lead safe and eventually take a 32-16 victory. The fightback from the Dragons would be something that concerned coach John Morris given that the meekness of the Sharks from the point that the Dragons got onto the scoreboard - and that their opponents were considered one of the weaker teams this season.
Sharks coach John Morris has been forced into one change with centre Jesse Ramien taking an early guilty plea that will see him miss three matches after being charged with a Grade 1 Reckless High Tackle. The Sharks have elected to go for a straight swap with Mawene Hiroti coming into the centres to replace Ramien.
Canberra had the opposite problem to the Sharks last weekend, with a slow first half putting them up against it battling out against the Wests Tigers. The Green Machine dominated possession and field position during the first half and they could only manage the one try which had come off a ricocheted kick. Although going into the half time break level with the Tigers, the Raiders did also have a try overturned by the Bbunker.
The Raiders' second half was one of the more impressive halves of football over the opening round - they were able run in 24 points before a reply against a Tigers side that was very poor. Despite the fact that their opponents were struggling, the attack of the Raiders was impressive - in particular the efforts of the forward pack including Hudson Young and new signing veteran Ryan James.
The visitors have elected to go with the same 17 that took the field last weekend with co-captain Jarrod Croker again sitting out this weekend after off-season shoulder surgery. This has meant that impressive rookie Sebastian Kris will hold his spot in the number 3 jersey while George Williams will retain goalkicking duties.
Last meeting: Finals Week 1 2020 - Raiders 32 Sharks 20
Who to watch: Coming up against an impressive Raiders line up, the Sharks will need to ensure that they can take advantage in their game management and all eyes will be on Matt Moylan to ensure that he can deliver. The now 29-year-old has become somewhat of an enigma with injuries and below-average play stagnating his career and the Sharks efforts in recent years. Moylan and Chad Townsend will need to work together strongly in steering the Sharks around the park against the well-oiled halves pairing of Wighton and Williams.
Raiders youngster Hudson Young has always shown that he has had talent, however his on-field behaviour has somewhat tarnished his fledgling career with several long suspensions overshadowing on field efforts. Last weekend, Young was a shining light for the Raiders and their go forward running for 117 metres as well as picking up a four pointer. Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has asked for more effort from his pack this season and Hudson Young will be vital to the go-forward on Sunday and throughout the season.
The favourite: Canberra are the heavy favourites for this clash and it's not hard to see why, given the quality of the line up and the experience that the Raiders have as well as winning both clashes last season.
My tip: It's hard to go past the Raiders for the clash on Sunday night. The Green Machine look to have the edge all over the park compared to the Sharks especially in the backs and the halves. Although it's difficult to compare the performances due to the varying weather conditions, the Raiders did look a step above the level of the Sharks from last weekend. It's no doubt set to be another high scoring clash but the Raiders should be good enough for the win. Raiders by 12.
