The Raiders feature in Saturday night football against the Parramatta Eels at GIO Stadium and here are five things to watch out for.
Seven straight
The Raiders have won the last seven matches at home against the Parramatta Eels not losing since 2006.
The Eels don’t travel well down to Canberra which will give the Raiders added confidence of grabbing their eighth straight win at GIO Stadium against the Eels.
On top of that, the Raiders are aiming for their fourth straight win over the Eels at any venue.
The return
There has been much talk about the demotion of Blake Austin and Josh Papalii to the Mounties over the past few weeks.
Both of them return to the line-up this week looking to prove a point and cement their spot back in the top 17.
Austin replaces Sam Williams due to injury with Papalii replacing Liam Knight on the interchange bench.
The visitors will be boosted by the return of Clint Gutherson and Bevan French with both returning from injury.
Double header
Last week saw the start of the Canberra Raiders Cup for this season with the Queanbeyan Blues defeating the Yass Magpies 23-18.
This week sees another double header with the Goulburn Workers Bulldogs taking on the Gungahlin Bulls at 5:15pm before the NRL kick off at 7:30pm.
Get down early to catch the action with gates opening at 5pm.
Winless Eels
As it stood before round five, the Raiders and the Eels were the only two sides without victories to start the season.
The Raiders managed to grab a win in round five while the Eels slipped to their fifth successive defeat.
It is only early in the season, but this shapes as a big clash for both clubs to get their season’s going.
Back to back
For the first time this season, we can say the Raiders are going for back to back victories after beating the Bulldogs 26-10 in round five.
Round 22 and 23 of last season was the last time we got to celebrate consecutive victories.
Come on down early and let’s get the stadium full of green. If you need to get your hands on some 2018 merchandise, visit the club shop at the West Forecourt.
