NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Panthers
The Raiders will be raring and ready to go as they come off the bye in Round 13 to face the ladder leading Penrith Panthers at GIO Stadium on Friday night.
The Raiders last performance came in round 12 with a late Aidan Sezer field goal sealing a come from behind win over the Manly Sea Eagles 21-20.
Penrith also come into this one fresh following the bye in round 13 and a comprehensive 28-2 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons in Round 12.
The only change for the Raiders sees a positional switch with Sia Soliola and Josh Papalii switching between lock and second row respectively.
The Panthers have made just the one change with Kaide Ellis replacing the suspended Jack Hetherington on the bench.
Last Time: The Panthers travelled to Canberra in Round 24 last season and escaped with the two points with a 26-22 win.
A try to bench utility Tyrone May in the final ten minutes stole the lead with the Panthers able to hold the Raiders out in the remaining minutes to grab the four point win.
Key Matchups
Joseph Leilua vs Tyrone Peachey
Leilua has continued his combination with winger Jordan Rapana on the right hand side for the Raiders with the duo beginning to click into gear this season.
Peachey will be backing up from his State of Origin debut but will be ultimately unaffected due to the lack of minutes he played.
You don't have to look far to find two of the most exciting attacking centres in the competition and a treat for viewers will be when they face off on Friday night.
Siliva Havili vs Sione Katoa
Havili has been as consistent as they come with stand out performances for the majority of games this season.
Katoa provides a similar attacking flair out of dummy half and again fills in for Peter Wallace who is still out injured.
The battle in the middle will be one that decides this game with whoever is able to manoeuvre their side around the park better will earn the advantage for their side.
Elliott Whitehead vs Isaah Yeo
Whitehead has been a prominent figure on the right edge for the Raiders scoring and assisting tries but also working tirelessly in defence.
Issah Yeo is one of the most underrated players in the game and his ability to run the right hole sees him constantly breaking the line.
These two will test each other consistently throughout the 80 minutes and it wouldn't be a surprise seeing at least one of them cross the stripe for a try.
Quote of the Week:
"They're in great form at the moment and it will be a big test for us in the middle up against their big boys. They've set the platform for them so hopefully we can turn up and get on top of them." - Shannon Boyd on the Panthers
Head to Head: These two have faced off on 73 occasions with an even split of 36 wins apiece and one drawn fixture.
