Round 8: Raiders v Sharks preview
The Canberra Raiders are looking to put a poor week on the field behind them when they take on a Cronulla Sharks side who had their best week on the field this season but their worst off the field.
Heading to Brisbane is no easy feat for any side and Canberra learnt that the hard way following their 34-10 loss in atrociously wet conditions at Suncorp Stadium. The night for the Raiders was just a non-starter as the Broncos turned up to play and they weren't going to be stopped as the Raiders could only stare down the barrel of a 28-0 first half scoreline where what could go wrong, did go wrong with a poor night for rookie Chevy Stewart as well as a serious injury to halfback Jamal Fogarty.
The season for the Raiders has been a mix of consistency and inconsistency with some strong performances scattered with some pretty mixed performances with the Raiders picking up four wins from their seven matches so far but even in those wins they haven't been exactly consistent. Sitting in seventh place, this is the chance for the Raiders to show whether they are in the contenders or pretenders category.
Following the injury to Jamal Fogarty, Kaeo Weekes gets his first start of the season for the Raiders whilst Simi Sasagi who is named in the run-on side after being an addition last week. The faith has also been kept with talented fullback Chevy Stewart despite things not going his way last weekend.
A big win for the Cronulla Sharks should have given them a lot of confidence heading into this weekend as well as the news of the retirement of fan favourite Dale Finucane to give the Sharks a big boost. However, the 42-6 win over the Cowboys has been overshadowed following the news of five-eighth Braydon Trindall's subsequent run in with NSW Police over alleged driving offences potentially weighing on the Sharks this week.
Sitting on top of the NRL ladder, the Sharks have only lost one game this season and that came in embarrassing fashion when they were big losers to the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. The Sharks haven't necessarily been fully impressive but have been good and were very good in their win over North Queensland. Despite losing just one game, the Sharks will still have a lot of questions on them going forward.
The Sharks have made two changes with Braydon Trindall obviously stood down following the off-field issues. Despite demands from certain Sharks fans about bringing in Kade Dykes, Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has selected Daniel Atkinson in the halves to play alongside Nicho Hynes. The only other change sees Sam Stonestreet dropping out of the side with Sione Katoa returning from injury.
Last meeting: Round 4 2024 - Sharks 36 Raiders 22
Who to watch: It's never nice seeing a player having a shocking game early in their career but for Chevy Stewart there is plenty of proof in the game that one disappointing game doesn't make a career (Dylan Edwards for example). The debut performance of Chevy Stewart shows there is plenty of talent and back on home soil and under better conditions can see the youngster bounce back.
Opposing fullback Will Kennedy comes under heavy criticism at times from rival fans and this is the opportunity to show the NRL that he can stand up when needed. The Sharks fullback has the opportunity to make himself a big part of the Sharks attack stepping up along side Nicho Hynes and rookie Daniel Atkinson. The big key for the Sharks will be Kennedy's runs from the back.
Favourite: Cronulla's table-topping form has them well backed to take the two points on Sunday.
My tip: This is a game that could go either way, the Raiders are always a much better team at home and will get the confidence boost but the demons of last week could be on their minds and the loss of Fogarty hurts. The Sharks on the other hand are in good form but the loss of a key playmaker and an emotional and dramatic week off-field could hurt the. This game has the hallmarks of a close one but then also a smashing either way. With almost zero confidence I'm tipping the Raiders by 6.
