Although there is no club football this weekend, there are plenty of Raiders in action playing for their respective countries. Check out our guide to follow all the representative round action that will be happening this weekend.
FRIDAY
Kangaroos v Kiwis
Kick-off: 7:50PM, Friday 6 May
Venue: Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
TV: Channel 9
In Action: Josh Papalii
After losing three consecutive games to the Kiwis, Raiders legend, Mal Meninga, has been entrusted with the task of improving the Kangaroos fortunes.
Josh Papalii starts for the Kangaroos after a solid start to the season for the Raiders. The second rower has already played eight games for the Kangaroos, but at 23-years-of-age is the second youngest member of Mal Meninga’s team.
The two nation’s women’s sides face off in the lead up to the men’s encounter. Frank-Paul Nuuausala’s sister, Annetta, is representing the Kiwi Ferns and has been named in the second row.
SATURDAY
Junior Kangaroos v Junior Kiwis
Kick-off: 3:15PM, Saturday 7 May
Venue: Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta
TV: Fox Sports Channel 501
In Action: Lachlan Croker
After making his Raiders debut in round 2, Lachlan Croker has been named at halfback for the Junior Kangaroos. Despite being eligible to play for the Raiders NYC side, the halfback has been playing in the Intrust Super Premiership for Raiders’ feeder club the Mounties.
Fiji Bati v Papua New Guinea Kumuls
Kick-off: 5:35PM, Saturday 7 May
Venue: Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta
TV: Fox Sports Channel 501
In Action: Sisa Waqa, Kurt Baptiste and Kato Ottio
The Pacific Test is flooded with Canberra players with PNG and Fiji boasting players based in the nation’s capital.
Ottio who has a habit of scoring spectacular tries for the Mounties, is named in the centres while Raiders utility, Baptiste, earns his first cap for the Kumuls.
The experienced Sisa Waqa is named at left centre for Fiji, while Mounties halfback Maurice Kennedy is also set to make his debut for the side.
Fans who turn up at Parramatta or watch on Fox Sports will be in for a feast of international rugby league with Samoa and Tonga in action following the Fiji and PNG game.
SUNDAY
QLD Residents v NSW Residents
Kick-off: 1:40PM, Sunday 8 May
Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Coorparoo (Brisbane)
TV: Channel 9
In Action: Mitch Barnett and Jarrad Kennedy
Mounties forwards have been rewarded for their strong start to the year, with two members being named in the NSW residents side. Raiders forward, Mitch Barnett, has been named in the second row alongside Jarrad Kennedy who has had a barnstorming start to the season.
Despite NSW losing last year’s fixture, Barnett scored two tries for the side and will look to lead NSW to a win this time around.
Country v City
Kick-off: 4:10PM, Sunday 8 May
Venue: Scully Park, Tamworth
TV: Channel 9
In Action: Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Shannon Boyd, Paul Vaughan and Aidan Sezer
Having won the last three games between the two side, Country will be looking to further their winning streak against City.
In a game that is touted as a rehearsal for State of Origin, there will be plenty of Raiders players for Blues coach, Laurie Daley, to look at.
Jack Wighton and Jarrod Croker are once again named for Country, as well as young forwards Shannon Boyd and Paul Vaughan. Aidan Sezer is the sole Raiders player named in the City side.
