The Canberra Raiders head up to Brisbane for Round 9 when they face the Sydney Roosters in a top of the table clash. Here are five things to look forward to.
Table Topper
In what looks to be an amazing match, the Raiders have the opportunity to continue their dominant performances when they face league leaders the Sydney Roosters.
The Raiders currently sit third with six wins out of their eight matches played, whilst the Roosters currently lead with seven victories under their belt.
Canberra head into the clash with the strongest defence in the competition, whilst the Roosters lead the way as the more dominant attacking team in the NRL.
Canberra will be hoping to continue their dominant defensive performances and take the victory this weekend.
Magic Round
A first for the NRL, this weekend’s match will take part in the Magic Round.
Every NRL match in round nine will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in a festival of footy, with half-time entertainment happening every day.
The Canberra Raiders play the Roosters on Sunday at 2 pm, the first game on Sunday with the Preatures playing at halftime.
Four from Four
The Raiders will hope to continue their win streak going against the Roosters and make it four wins from the past four over the opposition this weekend.
The past three matches have seen the Raiders win in tight conditions, securing a 21-20 victory in 2016, 24-16 in 2017 and narrowly winning 14-12 over the Sydney side last season.
After a dominant display last weekend from Josh Papalii and the on-going strength from the defensive line, the Raiders will look to be victorious over the Sydney Roosters.
Oldie is a Goldie
Michael Oldfield returned to the Raiders side this weekend in replace of the injured Joey Leilua, and he didn’t disappoint.
In his first game of the season, ‘Oldie’ managed to score a lovely try off a Sam Williams grubber and take his tally for the club to eight in just the ten games he’s played.
With both Leilua and Jordan Rapana injured, expect Oldfield to come into the side guns blazing and in search of adding to his impressive try-scoring record.
Queensland Success
The Raiders head back to Queensland for the third time this season and will hope to make it three wins from three up in the Sunshine State.
Canberra held the Titans scoreless in round one with a 21-0 victory on the Gold Coast, whilst held out an adamant Cowboys side 30-12 in Townsville.
Whilst the Green Machine’s Suncorp record isn’t the strongest, they’ll be hoping their strong form and hard work can help them claim a victory on Sunday afternoon.
