Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders
Vale: Terry Hill
16 hours ago | National Rugby League
Sydney v Canberra preview
Just 17 of the 34 who ran out in last year's semi-final between the Roosters and Raiders are set to take part in Saturday's rematch in Gosford, on the lands of the Darkinjung people.
However, while the Roosters are still thereabouts in premiership contention the same cannot be said for Canberra. Instead, pressure continues to build after a heavy defeat to an undermanned Storm line-up last week.
Sure, the Raiders themselves were missing Josh Papalii, Jack Wighton and Josh Hodgson but there was no reason why they could not have at least kept it competitive.
Ricky Stuart's post-game press conference perfectly illustrated the current situation at the nation's capital.
Raiders fans would have tuned in for answers but were only left with more questions after an ice-cold Stuart barely offered any form of explanation for the team's poor form.
Save for a 20-18 win over the lowly Bulldogs, Canberra have been on a dire losing skid recently and look more likely to miss the top eight at this point with the Titans, Sea Eagles and Warriors on the rise.
They do welcome back Wighton and Hodgson in a boost while Sam Williams replaces homesick halfback George Williams, who was released effective immediately.
The Roosters already presented enough of a challenge for Canberra but they loom as an even bigger threat coming off a shock loss. The Tricolours were out-enthused by the Broncos last week and will look to bounce back quickly before the Origin period or risk losing touch with the top four.
Sam Walker was targeted in defence last week and failed to have his usual impact in attack but there is no real reason for concern there.
He is still perfecting his craft and adjusting to the weekly grind - you would also expect he may get even more protection this Saturday from his forwards.
In team changes Josh Morris returns while Victor Radley and Angus Crichton are suspended.
Last meeting: Finals Week 2 2020 - Roosters 18 Raiders 22
Who to watch: Canberra were torn apart in defence by Melbourne last week and if the Roosters win the battle up front this week it will relieve pressure to allow Sam Walker to bounce back. Walker's decision-making under pressure was exposed last Saturday as he threw too many cut-out passes that simply were not in. It is all a learning experience for the youngster but coach Robinson won't want him dropping his head. Instead, it will all be about continuing to back himself. Once again the key will be for Walker to make the right choices, particularly given the Raiders wingers like to rush out at times and that could cut off his long looping passes.
The Roosters have plenty of punch in the second row [although the loss of Crichton hurts there] and that is an area the Raiders have struggled this season. Only last year Canberra's edge forwards were both aggressive when they needed to be and subtle with their ball-playing close to the line. Without Josh Bateman though some of that intensity has faded and it is in desperate need of a return. As co-captain, Elliott Whitehead looms as the man to lead from the front in that respect. Whitehead is highly skilful but also at times needs to solely focus on running hard and direct before thinking offload or pass. His effort is there but with better decision-making he shapes as a genuine game-breaker for Canberra.
The favourite: The Roosters are well backed to win this one.
My tip: The Raiders desperately need a breakout win but it won't come here. Roosters too professional to drop two-straight. Sydney Roosters by 18.
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 21. Joseph Suaalii 5. Matt Ikuvalu 4. Joseph Manu 6. Lachlan Lam 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Ben Marschke 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 15. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Isaac Liu 14. Adam Keighran 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 17. Fletcher Baker 20. Egan Butcher 7. Sam Walker
1. Caleb Aekins 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Sam Williams 8. Dunamis Lui 14. Josh Hodgson 10. Emre Guler 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton 9. Tom Starling 15. Iosia Soliola 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Ryan James 18. Elijah Anderson
Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Phil Henderson, Liam Kennedy; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;