Round 26: Roosters v Raiders preview
The high flying Sydney Roosters finish off the round against the enigmatic Canberra Raiders at the new Sydney Football Stadium.
Things have just been marching on for the Sydney Roosters after another points fest against a bottom nine team. The tri-colours now are in the box seat for a top two finish and a possible home final in the first week.
Coming straight from a 1980s horror film Angus Crichton scored a hat-trick in the win and just gives the Roosters another attacking weapon (as if they needed one). They will look to pile on the points in their last two fixtures to send a message to their competition.
There were sixty points in the first meeting between these two sides so if the weather remains fair this will be another high scorer. That should mean a lot of fun for the Roosters backline for those gambling inclined.
Last week was such an emotional high for the Raiders - farewelling a much-loved stalwart of the club in Elliot Whitehead at home. So the big question is can they back that up against one of the top four teams in the NRL.
Predicting the Raiders is like a fools errand at the best of times so really take my predictions with a grain of salt. We could see the side that downed the Panthers, or we could see the listless Raiders which have left them in a perilous position.
It will be down to Jamal Fogarty to steer the side around and pin back the Roosters back five then allow their own backline to flourish. The Raiders need to win and hope results go their way to stay alive in the fight for the top eight.
Last meeting: Round 12 2024 - Raiders 16 Roosters 44
Who to watch: Connor Watson is back in the Roosters side after his absence from the bench and he has been a vital part of their resurgence in recent weeks. Another player to watch out for Dom Young I know it isn't a huge shock but the winger is still in the hunt for top tryscorer and he could have a field day against the Raiders backline.
Xavier Savage had another statement performance on the wing for the Raiders and the youngster is going from strength to strength every week and might produce something special. Josh Papali'i is always the forward leader for the Raiders and he will need to bring the muscle against the vaunted Roosters pack in Sydney.
FAVOURITE: The Roosters will go into this game favourites again after a huge win and in the Sunday sun should run riot again.
MY TIP: One-sided as they come here for mine. Roosters by 24.
