A host of big inclusions headline a rejuvenated Canberra Raiders outfit as they look to get their season back on track with a win over the Broncos this Saturday.
Three young kiwis’ will join Brett Whites squad for this week, including new signing Erin Clark who will make his debut for the club despite playing two games for the New Zealand Warriors NRL side earlier this season.
Clark is a talented half but will run out on Saturday playing hooker, the 19-year-old also boasts a test cap for Samoa in their Pacific Nations Cup win over Tonga last year.
The Raiders will also enjoy the returns of five-eighth Paul Roache, and captain Kalani Going who both make their long-awaited return to the team this week after some time on the sidelines.
The revamped side will come up against the Brisbane Broncos who sit directly below them on the ladder in 13th position. Both teams are tied on 12 points and are just one win away from the top eight, making this weekend’s matchup all the more important.
The Raiders will be relishing the chance to play at home having lost only one of six matches at GIO Stadium this year while the Broncos have struggled away from home.
Both the Raiders and the Broncos are coming off the bye last week which gave them plenty of time to recover from their respective defeats the week before.
The Raiders went down 28-22 to the Penrith Panthers while the Broncos also went down 28-22 to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
With both teams evenly matched and desperate for a victory, the game is set to be a highly competitive affair. But a revamped team and the home ground advantage could get the Raiders over the line.
The game kicks off at 3.15pm this Saturday at GIO Stadium. Keep an eye of the Raiders twitter account for live match updates.
NYC - CANBERRA RAIDERS V BRISBANE BRONCOS
SATURDAY JUNE 24, 3.15PM, GIO STADIUM
TEAM:
1. Timoci Vatubuli
2. Komiti Tuilagi
3. Sebastian Kris
4. Andre Niko
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Paul Roache
7. Lachlan Cooper
8. Emre Guler
9. Erin Clark
10. William Samuel
11. Jack Murchie
12. Kalani Going (C)
13. Zac Masters
14. Sam Finnigan
15. Kye Madden
16. Jarred Tuite
17. Daniel Keir
18. Fabien Paletua-Kiri
19. Sione Afemui
20. Kitione Vikash
21. Derek Hay
22. Sato Ketoia-Opo
23. Jacob Field
