NSW Cup Preview: Raiders v Jets

The Canberra Raiders will look to bounce back this weekend when they travel to Henson Park to take on the Newtown Jets this Saturday at 3pm.

The Raiders suffered a 34-12 defeat last weekend against the North Sydney Bears, forcing the side back to ninth place on the ladder.

This will be a pivotal match for the Raiders as they look to get their season back on-track and push back inside the top eight.

Raider’s backrower Hudson Young has performed outstandingly since returning to NSW Cup, running for 100m and scoring a try in the club’s defeat to North Sydney last weekend. Young also recorded 9 tackle breaks in his 11 hit-ups as the young forward looks to carry this form into the team’s big clash against Newtown.

Last Time They Met

The Raiders had an outstanding 60-20 victory over the Newtown Jets at Belconnen Oval, Canberra, back in round four of the 2021 season.

Key Match-ups

Ata Mariota v Andrew Fifita

Raiders forward Ata Mariota will have his hands full this weekend as he matches up against experienced Grand Final winning front-rower Andrew Fifita.

Mariota at only age 20, stands at 184cm tall and 114kg, who will look to use his size and ability to take charge of the ruck in this weekend’s crucial game.

Mariota had 11 hit-ups for over 100m in only 35 minutes of play last weekend and will need to continue his hard-working effort against a very experienced Newtown forward pack.

Fifita on the other hand, can be the star of any forward pack he lines up in with his fierce aggression and running ability.

It will be the young verse the old this weekend as these two powerhouse forwards match-up in the centre of the field.

Brad Schneider v Luke Metcalf

Brad Schneider has had an incredible start to his 2021 season in the Raiders outfit, earning his NRL debut against the Storm less than three weeks ago.

Schneider who has now cemented himself in the number seven jumper will need to control the tempo and direct his troops to a much-needed win this weekend.

The young halfback does it all, through his strong ball-running ability and kicking game, Schneider has the capability to lift his side back into the winner’s circle.

The Newtown Jets halfback Luke Metcalf boasts a great match-up between these pair as he too holds a great running game and creativity to score plenty of points for his respected side.

Metcalf will line-up in his first game of the season at halfback, transitioning from the fullback position for the first half of the season.