NSW Cup Preview: Raiders v Magpies

The Canberra Raiders NSW Cup side kick off their 2021 season campaign against the Western Suburbs Magpies at 1:50pm on Sunday at GIO Stadium prior to the NRL clash.

It is the first time since 2007 that the Raiders will be playing in the competition after players represented Mounties in previous seasons.

The Raiders are looking promising, with 10 NRL-experienced players lined up to take the field, including Sam Williams, Tom Starling, Matt Frawley and Emre Guler.

The Raiders will look to mark their territory early in the competition, and the Magpies will hope to start the season strong with a young side, after finishing the 2019 season 10th on the ladder.

Sunday will also mark Caleb Aekins and Albert Hopoate’s first season for the club since moving over at the start of preseason from NRL rivals.

Key Match-Ups

Tom Starling v Jake Simpkin

Tom Starling and Jake Simpkin will be key parts of either side on the weekend as they will both control the middle of the field, and their forward packs.

Starling had an impressive trial game against the North Sydney Bears where he continuously challenged the defence and was able to score down the middle of the field.

Emre Guler v Tukimihia Simpkins

Emre Guler will be up against 19-year-old prop Tukimihia Simpkins on Sunday afternoon.

Both standing over 190cm, Guler will want to play some big minutes as he returns back from an ankle injury which he suffered in round eight of the NRL last season.

The match kicks off at 1:50 pm at GIO Stadium on Sunday. Gates open at 1:35pm, for all the information regarding game day, check out our game day guide here.