The Tigers will be kicking themselves after blowing a good chance to beat the Roosters a fortnight ago and failing to aim up last weekend against the Eels.
A few results in other games have fallen their way, but that only highlights the fact they could be in the top eight if not for missed opportunities.
They get another shot this week but they can expect a torrid time in the nation's capital.
The Raiders joined the Roosters on 22 points with last week's impressive road win over the Dragons and Ricky Stuart will be pushing hard to ensure there's no let-down on Saturday night.
Match: Raiders v Wests Tigers
Round 18 -
home Team
Raiders
4th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
12th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
The Rundown
Team news
Raiders: Iosia Soliola starts with Josh Papalii to come off the bench. Sam Williams and JJ Collins dropped off the extended bench on game day. Michael Oldfield comes into the centres to replace the suspended Nick Cotric. Royce Hunt and Jack Murchie were omitted from the extended squad 24 hours before kick-off.
Wests Tigers: Fullback Corey Thompson has been ruled out with an ankle injury he suffered against the Eels and captain Moses Mbye moves to the No.1 jersey. Michael Chee Kam moves from the bench to the centres and Luke Garner is the new man on the bench. Robert Jennings was dropped after the loss to the Eels his place on the wing is taken by Paul Momirovski. Rookie Tommy Talau and experienced Chris McQueen dropped off the reserves an hour before kick-off.
Match: Raiders v Wests Tigers
Round 18 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-KlokstadFullback for Wests Tigers is number 3 Moses Mbye
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Bailey SimonssonWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Paul Momirovski
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod CrokerCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Esan Marsters
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Michael OldfieldCentre for Wests Tigers is number 17 Michael Chee Kam
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan RapanaWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 David Nofoaluma
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Benji Marshall
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Aidan SezerHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke Brooks
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Dunamis LuiProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Josh Aloiai
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh HodgsonHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Robbie Farah
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Prop for Raiders is number 16 Iosia SoliolaProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Alex Twal
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 John Bateman2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Ryan Matterson
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Chris Lawrence
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Joseph TapineLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Matthew Eisenhuth
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'iInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Jacob Liddle
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva HaviliInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Thomas Mikaele
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Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Corey HorsburghInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Elijah Taylor
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Emre GulerInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 20 Luke Garner
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Darian Furner
- Senior Review Official: Jared Maxwell
Last updated:
Key match-up
Benji Marshall will have to reach deep into his bag of tricks in his head to head clash with Blues Origin star Jack Wighton, while Robbie Farah will have to deliver in his duel with Raiders ace Josh Hodgson.
For the Raiders to win
Ricky Stuart will have to find a replacement for Nick Cotric for a few weeks but he has been plugging gaps on the run all season and has the depth to fill virtually any hole in the backline. The Raiders have to dominate through their forwards and apply constant defensive pressure to Benji and Luke Brooks.
For the Tigers to win
A good start is crucial against a side that has proven to be a good front-runner in 2019. The Tigers need to throw different attacking looks at the Raiders to keep them guessing defensively, while Maroons Origin rep Moses Mbye has to perform like a marquee player and take some of the pressure off Benji, Brooks and Farah.
Brett Kimmorley says
Wests Tigers are playing tough but their attack is very dependent on what Marshall can come up with. The Raiders looked a lot better on Sunday night, they were amazing against the Dragons. With that performance they showed they’re one of the teams that can win the competition. Raiders by 12
Stat Attack
Luke Brooks can't be accused of not running the ball enough. The Tigers halfback has engaged the line 134 times - tops in the NRL. Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been better than everyone expected in his first season with the club, logging a league-leading 1,109 kick return metres.
And another thing ...
Losses in their past two games aren't the only thing the Tigers have to forget about. When they hosted the Raiders in round 13 on June 7, the Tigers failed to fire a shot and were thrashed 28-0. Coach Michael Maguire has to get his team in a positive frame of mind if they are going to turn the tables on Saturday.
