NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Tigers

In the Raiders last clash with the Rabbitohs, milestone man Josh Papalii became the most capped Raiders player of all time, bagging two tries and a conversion in their brilliant 36-12 victory at GIO Stadium.

With the season over the halfway mark, the boys in green have shown their strength as a team, powering their way to sit second on the ladder. They will be looking to record their fifth consecutive win on Friday.

Talking points:

• Raiders centre Sebastian Kris will play his 100th game for the Raiders.
• Raiders winger Savelio Tamale will miss 10-12 weeks after suffering an injury in round 14.
• Jed Stuart will make his NRL debut for the Raiders this Friday on the left wing.
• The Wests Tigers have only won one out of their past nine games against Canberra.
• The Raiders have won their last five away games.
• Hudson Young and Corey Horsburgh have been named this week after their selection for NSW and QLD for Origin II.
• Jarome Luai has also been named to back up from Origin II on Wednesday night.

Last time they met:

The last time these two teams met, the Tigers claimed victory 48-24 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in round 16, last year.

Key Match-up

Jamal Fogarty v Jarome Luai

These two tactical halfbacks use their quick-thinking skills to guide their teams around the park. They bring contrasting but equally vital strengths to the field in what promises to be an interesting matchup.

Fogarty is a key member of the Raiders’ backline, operating with collected precision and an elite kicking game. His strong playmaking skills allow him to guide his side on the field, scripting their attacking plays while also helping exploit the opposition’s weaknesses. Already this season, he has made 12 try assists and eight-line break assists.

Fogarty’s structured approach allows him to consistently deliver for the Raiders with his precision and tactical patience giving him the ability to build pressure. On top of his strong game management skills, he also excels in the defensive department, with a 91% tackle efficiency and 300 tackles made so far this season. 

On the other hand, Luai demonstrates his play making skills with flair and creativity. He is able to quickly spot weakness within his opponent’s defence, finding gaps to create try scoring opportunities for his side.

Although he is predominately recognised as a five-eighth he has shown his ability to adapt to halfback and grow his decision-making skills.

With NRL premierships and State of Origin games under his belt, his wealth of experience is invaluable. 

This game will be a battle of structure versus creativity, with both halfbacks’ performance being a strong factor in the outcome of Friday’s clash.

Head-to-head:

Since 1998, the Raiders have played the Tigers 44 times, claiming victory on 24 occasions.