We take on the North Queensland Cowboys this weekend in Townsville and there’s plenty to look forward to.
Indigenous Round
Both sides will be wearing their Indigenous jerseys on Saturday as the NRL celebrates and continues to further understand Indigenous culture.
This year’s Raiders Indigenous jersey represents Reconciliation Day in the ACT and aims to educate people on how reconciliation should be a part of every day life.
The Raiders have a long history of quality Indigenous players and leaders, beginning with the club’s first ever captain David Grant through to current star Jack Wighton, who is a proud Wiradjuri man.
The game will take place in Townsville at the home of the Wulgurukaba Peoples and the Raiders will be looking to put in a strong performance.
Returning Troops
John Bateman and Curtis Scott are straight back in the starting side after being declared fit after recent injuries.
The English second-rower, will put on the green jersey for the first time since last year’s Grand Final after overcoming a shoulder injury that has kept him on the sidelines in 2020.
Curtis Scott adds experience and quality to a young backline and will be looking to return to form after overcoming an arm infection that has prevented him from playing since round eight against the Dragons.
Round 12 Team List v Cowboys
Testing Trip
Escaping the Canberra winter can be a relief for many but immediately landing in Townsville is going from one extreme to another.
The team have acclimatised well to the humid conditions the last two years and will be looking to repeat that process on the weekend.
The new Queensland Country Bank Stadium adds a new dimension to the trip.
The team will fly up and back on Saturday but remarkably the travel duration will be similar to the regular bus trips to and from Sydney.
One Abbreviation For Another
Unfortunately CNK will miss one to two weeks with a finger injury but a new abbreviated name is in the side. Corey Harawira-Naera will make his Raiders debut from the bench and will add further quality to the side.
Having shown what he is capable of in his time at the Panthers and Bulldogs, Raiders fans will sure be keen to watch CHN in action.
Rapa at the back
The injury to Charnze sees Jordan Rapana wearing the number one jersey this weekend. Since returning to the club after a stint in Japan, Rapana has consistently been playing at a high level.
When filling in at fullback last week against the Rabbitohs, Rapana was immense in defence and helped the side begin sets in a positive fashion.
Play of the week: Rapana saves the day
Battle of the Big Boppers
Josh Papalii, Dunamis Lui, Joe Tapine and Ryan Sutton up against Jason Taumalolo, Jordan McLean, Coen Hess and John Asiata.
Two powerful packs, with two of the games most damaging forwards leading their sides. It’ll certainly be enthralling viewing.
