NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Roosters

Author: Rachel Moran
Timestamp: Thu 27 May 2021, 11:49 AM

The Canberra Raiders are set to battle the Sydney Roosters this Saturday 7:35pm at Central Coast Stadium in the NRL’s Indigenous Round.

This weekend sees Jack Wighton return from suspension for the occasion and will be looking to have a big impact having starred against the Roosters in recent encounters.

Canberra Raiders to wear Indigneous Jersey for NAIDOC Week

After a disappointing loss last weekend to the Storm, the Raiders are hoping to bounce back against the Roosters who also suffered a loss to the Broncos last weekend.

As well as Wighton’s return, the Raiders also welcome back the experienced duo of Jordan Rapana and Josh Hodgson who are returning from injury and suspension respectively.

Round 12 - Round 12 - Saturday 29 May

Full Time

Roosters

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Caleb Aekins
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Bailey Simonsson
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Josh Morris

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Sebastian Kris
Centre for Roosters is number 21 Joseph Suaalii

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Curtis Scott
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Matt Ikuvalu

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan Rapana
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
Halfback for Roosters is number 6 Lachlan Lam

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Sam Williams

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Dunamis Lui
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Ben Marschke

Hooker for Raiders is number 14 Josh Hodgson
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Emre Guler
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Corey Harawira-Naera
2nd Row for Roosters is number 15 Nat Butcher

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Isaac Liu

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Ryan Sutton

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Adam Keighran

Interchange for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Daniel Suluka-Fifita

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Iosia Soliola
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Fletcher Baker

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Corey Horsburgh
Interchange for Roosters is number 20 Egan Butcher

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Ryan James

Reserves

Reserve for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Reserve for Raiders is number 18 Elijah Anderson

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 5/29/2023 4:41:00 AM

Last Time They Met

The last time these two teams met was in the second round of finals last year, the Raiders knocked the Roosters out of the competition in a powerful 22-18 win.

Match Highlights: Roosters v Raiders

Key Match-Ups

Elliott Whitehead v Sitili Tupouniua

After scoring a try and making 41 tackles last weekend there is no doubt the Raiders captain will be a key performer for the side this weekend,

Showing his versatility in the last few weeks, Whitehead will be dangerous on the left edge with his ability to not only hit a hole in attack, but also create space for his men on the outside.

But Saturday will be a test for Whitehead as he faces hard working Sitili Tupouniua, who also managed to score a try last round, and ran for 111 metres despite the Roosters loss.

Sebastian Kris v Josh Morris

Sebastian Kris has been a great asset to the Raiders this season, having played the majority of games this season.

His work rate when helping the side come out of defence has been impressive and the local junior also has an impressive try-scoring record in the early stages of his career.

While Kris’ career is only beginning, he will be facing a player in the twilight of his career.

The return of veteran centre, Josh Morris, is a big boost for the Roosters, especially due to his reputation as having an impressive defensive game. His try-scoring record this season is equally impressive with six tries from 10 games.

Tom Starling v Ben Marschke

Tom Starling continues to be consistent each week for the Raiders, with his solid defence and spark in attack.

Despite suffering an ankle injury last weekend, Starling is named to start in hooker and Josh Hodgson returns to the side from suspension in the number 14 jersey.

Ben Marschke will also need to be on his a-game this weekend, with just eight NRL games up his sleeve, Marschke has proved to be a solid in attack and defence.

This weekend will be a challenge for the two young hookers, but it will make for an exciting contest.

Head to Head

The Raiders have played the Roosters 69 times and have claimed 30 wins, have suffered 37 losses and have shared two draws. Since the 2019 Grand Final, the Raiders have won two of three matches against the Roosters.