Canberra Raiders takes on the Syndey Roosters for a grand final rematch in Australian Rugby League.
Match Timings: Oct 09, 2:20 PM
Team Preview
The Canberra Raiders and Sydney Roosters square off at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday night in the semifinal clash. The Roosters are fresh off a one-point loss to the Panthers last week, despite earning a 10-0 lead in the start but the Panthers bounced back and scored five straight tries. The defence is the key factor for Sydney but in the last few weeks, they have been slightly poor at this position. In previous year’s finals series, Roosters conceded only 20 points in their three finals and this season, they conceded 29 in their one final. The 2-times defending premiers have conceded a huge 107 points in their last three games.
Meanwhile, Raiders took a solid start after a convincing victory over Sharks. Joe Tapine scored after nine minutes and at the half-game, Canberra was just four points behind. In 2nd half, Jack Wighton scored two tries, following the perfect finishing from Williams and Hudson Young to seal the victory for the Raiders. Roosters can take the inspiration from the previous meeting with Raiders when they conceded just six points in the round-17 game. Both sides have only conceded an average of 16 points this season so it’s going to be a low scoring game.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Sydney Roosters
Jake Friend and Sonny Bill Williams are coming back into the side as Nat Butcher and Freddy Lussick are going to miss this fixture.
Lineups: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Josh Morris, Joseph Manu, Brett Morris, Luke Keary, Kyle Flanagan, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Boyd Cordner, Angus Crichton, Isaac Liu
Canberra Raiders
Ricky Stuart would most probably stick with the same team who played in a winning game against Sharks.
Lineup: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Semi Valemi, Jarrod Croker, Jordan Rapana, Nick Cotric, Jack Wighton, George Williams, Josh Papalii, Tom Starling, Iosia Soliola, John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead, Joseph Tapine
Key Players
Sydney Roosters
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Luke Keary
Canberra Raiders
Jack Wighton
Josh Papalii
