Round 16: Raiders v Broncos preview - 2017 Round 16
Raiders look to get season back on track against Broncos
The Raiders will be given the perfect opportunity to claim an important victory this week as they face a Brisbane side who will be sweating on the availability of a number of Origin representatives. Coach Ricky Stuart will be desperate for the victory too, seeing that his side has only managed two wins from their past seven matches. In saying this, the Raiders came incredibly close to winning their last two matches. Of particular frustration was their last-start loss to Penrith. Canberra surrendered a 20-12 lead with two minutes left to somehow lose 24-20. Luckily, the Raiders won't have to worry too much about Origin duty with Josh Papalii their only player in Wednesday night's game.
On the other hand, the Broncos, who are already without five-eighth Anthony Milford, will also be missing fullback Darius Boyd who suffered a broken thumb in Queensland's 18-16 win. The Broncos have often struggled during the Origin period, yet still find themselves in the Top Four coming into this game after outlasting the Rabbitohs 24-18 a fortnight ago. However, a loss on Saturday night could cost them their spot. With Boyd and Milford both out, recalled halves Kodi Nikorima and Benji Marshall will be looking to spark their side's attack whilst also pressing their claims for a starting spot with Ben Hunt looming on the bench.
Last meeting: Round 4 2017 - Broncos 13 Raiders 12
The Raiders lost yet another close one with a Jordan Kahu field goal seeing the Broncos claim a 13-12 win in Round 4 earlier this year.
Who to watch: Look out for another impressive performance from winger Jordan Rapana. Rapana was in fine touch against the Panthers, registering two line breaks, running 179 metres, scoring a try and busting ten tackles. Rapana achieved similar numbers against the Broncos in their game earlier this year and may prove an even greater threat this time against a Brisbane side with several players backing up from Wednesday night's gruelling contest.
The Broncos will be looking for an improved performance from fill-in halfback Benji Marshall, who will be attempting to prove himself as the right man for Ben Hunt's jersey next year. In his two eighty-minute otuings this year, Marshall is yet to set up a try. In saying this, he has challenged the line on multiple occasions, averaging 122 running metres from those two games. Brisbane will need much of the same and even more from the New Zealand international as they attempt to overcome the loss of two of the most important players in their spine. Helping their cause is the fact that Marshall has won 16 of his past 17 against Canberra.
The favourite: The full-strength Raiders are expected to claim a crucial win.
My tip: There are no excuses for the Raiders this week and against a disrupted opponent, they should take a vital two points. Raiders by 8
