NSW Cup Preview: Raiders v Eels

The Raiders NSW Cup side will hope to get back into the winners circle this weekend when they face the Eels at 2:30pm this Saturday at Ringrose Park in Sydney.

After suffering an extremely close 22-20 loss last weekend against the Knights, the Raiders will be eager to bounce back on Saturday.

This week sees players from the Raiders SG Ball Grand Final win two weeks ago join the side.

The additions of Clay Webb, Caleb Esera, Trey Mooney and Xavier Savage will hopefully get the Raiders another win under their belt.

Key Match Ups

Manase Kaho v Lalotoa Mata’afa

Since entering the team in round eight, Manase Kaho has been exceptional on the wing for the Raiders, scoring in every game he’s played this season.

It’s not only Manase’s ability to score, but his work on kick returns and in play that has also been outstanding, he ran for 147 metres last weekend.

Manase will go head-to-head with Lalotoa Mata’afa who came into the Eels NSW Cup side just last weekend. Lalotoa was one of the try scorers for the Eels in a huge 39-0 win over the North Sydney Bears.

It will be an interesting match-up with the two wingers, with both players proving they can score, it will come down to the defence.

Brad Schneider v Joey Lussick

Brad Schneider has continued to be a key role in the Raiders side playing off the bench and recently starting in the halves replacing an injured Sam Williams.

Schneider’s ball-playing ability and speed dominates in attack, and his supportive plays through the middle are exceptional, scoring off Kai O’Donnell’s line break last weekend.

Joey Lussick moves into the halves this weekend for the Eels, after playing in hooker every other round.

Saturday will be challenging for Lussick as he replaces young Eels debutant Jake Arthur, who has been outstanding in the Eels NSW Cup side.

Head-to-Head

The Raiders and Eels last met in round 6 this year, where the Raiders won 30-22. The Raiders are currently sitting fifth on the ladder, with the Eels just ahead in fourth.