Milestones, dangerous combinations and Free Eggs are just some of the things we're looking forward to on Saturday.
Read on for 5 Things we are looking forward to see on Saturday as both teams are chasing their third straight win.
Wighton and Tapine Milestones
Jack Wighton will play his 100th NRL game this Saturday as he will look to continue his impressive form this season. Wighton has been a rock at the back for the Raiders this season averaging 176 running metres per game and scoring three tries so far. This season is shaping up to be a fantastic season for Wighton and you can expect to see him playing well for many years to come.
Joseph Tapine will play his 50th NRL game against the Warriors. Tapine has been a major impact player since joining from Newcastle as last season his tackle success of 94% showed why he is such a presence in the forward line. He has continued to impress when given the opportunity this year as last week against the Titans he made 24 tackles and made 105 metres with the ball.
Come and support these boys on Saturday when they run out on to the field in their milestone games.
Battle of the Halves
Saturdays clash will see two of the competitions best halves combinations do battle as the Raiders Austin/Sezer combination will shape up against the Warriors Foran/Johnson pairing.
New Zealand started the season slowly after winning one game from the first four rounds. They needed a spark desperately and didn’t they just receive that. Kieran Foran has ignited their season with two impressive back to back performances leading to two wins on the trot. His combination with Shaun Johnson could prove to be a force this year, as Johnson does not have the enormous pressure on him that has been for past seasons.
The Raiders halves combination of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer is constantly improving. The calmness, precision and class of Sezer compliment the fierce, strong silky ball running game of Blake Austin. This combination was a key contributor in getting the Raiders into a Preliminary Final last year.
Kiwi’s out to Impress
Saturday’s match will feature many players eligible for Kiwi International selection ahead of New Zealand’s test match with Australia in about three weeks.
Raider’s winger Jordan Rapana will be pushing hard for selection having already played four matches for New Zealand. He will be vying for another spot this year and with his strong try scoring form already this year, he is well on track to perhaps be selected once again.
Joseph Tapine has represented New Zealand twice already and like Rapana will be pushing hard to impress when they play the Warriors on Saturday.
Easter eggs for Members
It’s Easter Saturday so to help celebrate the Raiders are giving free Easter Eggs to members who visit the West Lounge (While stocks last). Come up to the lounge and enjoy the warm surrounds and be part of the members only area.
Read the Game Day Guide for all Game Day Information
A Close Record
The last time these two teams met was in round 20 last season when a Jarrod Croker try in golden point gave Canberra a 26-22 victory. The Raiders have scored a total of 811 points against the Warriors in head to head meetings whilst the Warriors have scored 807 against the Raiders.
As both teams are coming off a 2 game winning run, this match may prove to be a very close affair. Get down to GIO stadium on Saturday to cheer on the Raiders as they chase a third straight win against the inform Warriors.
