Round 17: Storm v Raiders preview
The Canberra Raiders look set for more rough seas ahead as they travel to Melbourne to take on a Storm team with wind in their sails.
The last game of Saturday will be a test for the Raiders, a team that is leaking points and lacking cohesion and is facing a home team that hasn't tasted defeat at AAMI Park this year.
With 82 points put against them in the last two rounds, Coach Ricky Stuart will be looking for his team to toughen up and at least be competitive.
Last round saw the Green Machine cop a shellacking from the Wests Tigers 48-24. The Raiders only had any effect in the game when the Tigers were reduced to 12 men for 10 minutes. Some spirited performances from Joseph Tapine, Jordan Rapana and Nick Cotric were not enough, and the error count took the life out of what, on paper, is actually a tough team.
The Storm may have got out of gaol-free last week against the Dolphins, but Coach Craig Bellamy will ensure they take more control in the upcoming round. Their 30-24 victory at Suncorp was Ryan Papenhuyzens' first game since round 9, and he reminded us of what we had missed. Jahrome Hughes flexed as one of the best halves in the game, and Will Warbrick showed his gratitude returning from injury in hot form.
Last meeting: Round 24 2023 - Storm 48 Raiders 2
Who to watch: Jahrome Hughes will be looking to dominate in kicking and setting up his gifted players to demoralise the Raiders. Hughes loves to attack the line, and it may be where he is most dangerous with his speed opening up holes in lazy defensive lines. And if the Raiders come to the game napping like the last two rounds, Hughes will give Ricky Stuart nightmares.
We all love to see Paps in full flight, and he clearly has his confidence back. Showing no rust, the gun fullback came out firing, and it was his confidence and work effort in a game that lifted all the players around him on the field. It is without a doubt that he will impact this game after his inspiring performance last round, with at least two tries next to his name surely!
Will Warbrick and Xavier Coates lurking on the wings will be a headache for the Raiders, as they will be hitting the ball back with speed from every kick and are known for their athleticism when going up for the high balls.
If Api Koroisau was a headache for the Raiders in the middle of the field last week then the prospect of Harry Grant should get them anxious. Considering that Grant will come out of the Origin fit, he will lay a platform for his forward to dominate.
It's hard to pinpoint players in the forward pack for the Storm, but Josh King and Eliesa Katoa have been causing trouble in the middle and on the edges. Bellamy has been surgical on getting the most out of these two, and they will be ready for a Raiders pack trying to regain their identity.
The Raiders' ranks have been thin for players to stand up and deliver for the last few rounds. Joesph Tapine tried his guts out last round, as he pretty much has all year. The Kiwi prop continues to lead from the front, and Raiders fans can only hope his spirited play will rub off on players like Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies, who need to get on board with the pack to own the middle. These two players can do it, and with a third straight loss on the cards, Ricky is likely to have put a firecracker under them; watch for them to answer the call.
Jordan Rapana pulled off some great plays in attack and defence in the last round. Much like Tapine, he inspires from his efforts, and his plays have the potential to turn the team around. He would like to get more meters to help his team and will be looking to do so this round if Tapine and Josh Papalii can get them on the front foot in the middle.
The young guns of Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange have lost some venom in their attack and defence since getting the call up to first grade. With two average rounds behind them, they should be savouring a chance to prove they are ready to stay in the top squad. They are fast, strong, and can open up to play when given a chance.
Favourite: Melbourne have been strong at home all year and is close to having a full-strength team if Origin permits. The Storm are easy favs to outclass a Raiders side lacking confidence.
My tip: The Storm may have had a close one last round, but I expect their stars and team as a whole to pick up the pace and give a convincing show against Canberra. The Raiders continued their trend of blowout losses last round, and it's unlikely they will find the much-needed toughness on the road down to Melbourne. The Storm will bring the rain.
