Round 9: Canberra v Newcastle preview
The National Rugby League roadshow heads to a town so nice they named it twice - Wagga Wagga - where two out-of-form sides Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights look to get back into the top eight.
Coming into the season, Canberra Raiders were touted as a contender but a combination of form, injuries and results has seen the Green Machine go winless since Round 4. They have had some hard-fought defeats against Rabbitohs and Panthers but also wilted in the North Queensland heat which has seen coach Ricky Stuart lose his cool slightly and embrace the "whinger" tag.
It can't all fall to the coach though. Some of the Raiders side which saw them make the Grand Final in 2019 has fallen out form alongside injuries to key players including Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad hasn't helped their form. The return of George Williams after his late withdrawal and Josh Papali'i from his break is a huge boost for the side.
A huge factor for the Raiders slide has been their second half performances. Canberra look like the Globetrotters in the first half then turn into the Generals after half-time. Stuart might have to keep the side out on the field at the break to keep their mind on the prize and turn around their season starting in Wagga.
Newcastle haven't got started in 2021 - through their results and some horrible injury luck - has the side languishing in 11th spot and the hopes of back-to-back finals appearances slipping away. Having Blake Green added to their injury toll doesn't help with youngster Phoenix Crossland taking the halfback spot alongside Kurt Mann in the musical chairs backline.
The Knights still boast a fearsome forward pack which has kept them in contests but need to match up against another huge pack in the Raiders. David Klemmer, Daniel Saifiti and Tyson Frizell are all experienced heads which will relish the challenge and move themselves into the top eight.
One x-factor for the Knights side is Bradman Best. He has exploded onto the scene since his debut last season and has shown already in 2021 he can turn a game. If he and Kalyn combine, it will help them score more than the one four-pointer they have mustered in the last fortnight.
Last meeting: Round 4 2020 - Raiders 18 Knights 34
Who to watch: Josh Papali'i is back into the side after taking a mental health break. The front rower is the leader of the Raiders formidable pack. Against the Knights pack which boosts some heavy artillery so have to push through against them. Sebastian Kriss has done well deputising in the centres or back row this season and the master of the sea with another strong performance might make waves and take the centre spot for himself.
It hasn't been the best last month for the Knights. Injuries and form have them in 11th position. With the injury to Blake Green, much more of the onus falls to star fullback Kalyn Ponga to get them out of the mire. Ponga has shown flashes of his brillance thus far in 2021 and against a tough Raiders side needs to turn the spotlight bright.
The favourite: Two sides that are in terrible form but the Raiders brought back some big names so they will take the slight favourite tag to Wagga.
My tip: I'm backing the 'home' team to overcome the internal drama and get the win in Wagga. Canberra by 10.
