NSW Cup Preview: Raiders v Jets
The Canberra Raiders will be looking to shake off the disappointment of last week's loss when they face their round four opponents, the Newtown Jets, at 4 pm this Saturday in round 4 at Raiders Belconnen.
The Raiders struggled to reach their best last week, conceding 28 points in the first half - eventually losing 32-10
However, the Green Machine showed tremendous form in round one, beating the Magpies 32-18. This week they will want to come out firing and make sure they get onto the front foot early.
The Raiders have named a strong line-up with plenty of NRL talent. Corey Horsburgh, Corey Harawira-Naera and Emre Guler are all included in the starting forward pack, while English young gun, Harry Rushton returns from suspension.
They’ll play against a strong Jets side that also beat the Magpies and narrowly lost to the Eels last week.
Key Match-Ups
Albert Hopoate v Kayal Iro
Albert Hopoate looks to continually improve in his first season with the Raiders. Hopoate showed his skill with the ball in hand in the Raider's round one win over the Magpies.
In that game, Hopoate had 183 running meters, two tries and two line breaks. He will be starting at centre this week, replacing the injured Harley Smith-Shields.
Hopoate was a highly touted prospect at Manly and could be a game-breaker for the Raiders this weekend.
He will be up against Cook Islands international, Kayal Iro, who was one of the Jets best last week in their narrow loss to the Eels. In that game, Iro proved to be a hard player to stop, breaking eight tackles and racking up 79 post-contact meters.
Corey Horsburgh v Daniel Vasquez
The Raiders will look to the experience and talent of Corey Horsburgh to lead the way against a tough Jets forwards pack.
Horsburgh was one of the Raiders' best in a beaten side last week. 'Big Red' had four offloads including one close to the line that helped set up the Raiders' first try.
He will need to be at his hard running, ball playing best to create the momentum through the middle that will give the Raiders’ dangerous backline room to attack.
The Jets will rely on prop, Daniel Vasquez, to give them their go-forward. Vasquez has gone over 120 run meters in both games this season. Last year he earned his NRL debut with the Sharks and will be looking to push back into first grade with a strong performance this week.
