Round 9: Raiders v Bulldogs preview
It might not the pinnacle of Rugby League this week but there is two competition points to be won - and both the Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs will be in desperate need of a win to help them push back off the foot of the ladder.
Sitting in 14th spot, the Canberra Raiders (or more accurately lately, the 'Faders') have struggled this season to put an 80-minute performance together, barring their efforts in Round 1 to beat Cronulla. Coming off five successive losses, there is a tonne of pressure being piled on the Raiders players for their performances thus far (though strangely, not the coach).
Last weekend was another example not executing for the full 80, with the Raiders blowing a 20-12 lead to fall to a 21-20 golden point defeat at the hands of the Warriors at Redcliffe. Worse still, the Green Machine failed to score a single point in the second half. The performance started strong with a left-field change from Ricky Stuart seemingly working - until the second half collapse and eventual defeat in Golden point.
The axe has been wielded by coach Stuart with a large number of changes to the side, including the return of club legend Jarrod Croker returning from a long stint in NSW Cup. Croker's return has him replacing Semi Valemei in the centres whilst Jordan Rapana moves back to the wing after playing fullback for a fortnight, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returning to the #1 jersey. Matt Frawley comes into the halves to replace the suspended Jack Wighton whilst Elliott Whitehead returns from injury in the second row, pushing Harawira-Naera to the bench and Rushton out of the 17. Seb Kris joins the bench while Adam Elliott retains the starting hooker role over Tom Starling.
A host of key signings was meant to make the difference for the Bulldogs in 2022, but poor results on the field paired with off-field instability has seen more of the same for the Belmore club this season. as they languish in 15th spot by a solitary differential point. The Blue-and-Whites though are coming off a victory and will be sure to grow in confidence.
Shocking many, Canterbury took a 16-12 upset victory over the Sydney Roosters in a game where their opponents had more than their fair share of luck to stay in the contest. The Bulldogs started fast opening up a 10-0 lead only for the Roosters to hit back and trail by six before halftime. Many 'Dogs fans weren't confident of holding onto their lead and once they extended it, they were even less confident. Canterbury's defence did survive a late surge from the Roosters to level scores when the Bunker overturned a try, allowing them hold on to their 16-12 lead through to fulltime.
Despite the victory, coach Trent Barrett has made a couple of changes to his side, with veteran Josh Jackson returning to the squad (personally not a great move) after missing last week with COVID. This shifts Max King back to the bench whilst Billy Tsikrikas is out due to suspension. Brent Naden also returns to the side in place of Jayden Okunbor, with the latter returning to the reserves list.
Last meeting: Round 10 2021 - Bulldogs 18 Raiders 20
Who to watch: Back in the top grade for the first time this season, Jarrod Croker has been a long-time hero in the Nation's capital but has seemed to be out of favour with Stuart, who has played the club's greatest ever pointscorer in NSW Cup across the first eight weeks of the season. The veteran will bring experience to the Raiders line up and hopefully some fresh ideas that can change the fortunes of the Green Machine after a torrid opening two months.
Without sounding too harsh or disrespectful, the biggest anchor in the Bulldogs attack this season has been captain and lock Josh Jackson - whose decision to take a hit up often stymies the side's attack. Having a front on view of this during the Bulldogs match against the Panthers a few weeks ago, the veteran's decision making wiped away any pressure that was placed on the competition leaders when they were struggling defensively, putting the pressure back on the 'Dogs halves. Jackson needs to find a balance to his game because the Bulldogs looked better without him last week, and another loss will see pressure on him from the fanbase.
The favourite: As of writing the preview, the game is considered pretty 50/50 with most having both sides equal although there is a slight favouritism to the Raiders by some.
My tip: This is a hard game to tip because both sides give you more reasons not to tip them than they do to tip them. In trying to come up with a tip I've typed 'Can', then really couldn't come up with a solid choice. Off the back of defeating the Roosters, I think the Bulldogs will hold a touch more confidence than the Raiders and take out a tight one. Canterbury by 4.
