NSW Cup Preview: Raiders v Sea Eagles

Author: Rachel Moran
Timestamp: Thu 10 Jun 2021, 09:51 AM

The Canberra Raiders return home to GIO Stadium at 5:15pm this Saturday to take on the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles in round 14 of the NSW Cup.

After a thrilling 20-10 win over the Newtown Jets last weekend, the Raiders will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins come Saturday afternoon.

The Sea Eagles sitting just below the Raiders on the ladder and are hot on their heels so it is crucial that the men in green win to improve their position on the ladder.

Round 14 - Round 14 - Saturday 12 Jun

Full Time

Raiders

Sea Eagles

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Caleb Aekins

Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Michael Asomua

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Tolutau Koula
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Albert Hopoate

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Jorge Taufua
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Adam Cook

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 22 Christian Tuipulotu
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 18 Tim Simona
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Matt Frawley

Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Brad Schneider

Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 9 Zane Harris

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Leo Thompson

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Phillip Makatoa
Hooker for Raiders is number 20 Siliva Havili

Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 21 Cade Cust
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Trey Mooney

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Terrell May
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Kai O'Donnell

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Dane Aukafolau
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Hudson Young

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Jordin Leiu
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Harry Rushton

Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Denzal Tonise

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Darby Medlyn

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 7 Brad Keighran
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Ata Mariota

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Alec Tuitavake
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Clay Webb

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Robbie Graham
Interchange for Raiders is number 18 Silafano Titiuti

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Jacob Sykes

Reserves

Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Joe Roberts

Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 5 Honeti Tuha

Last updated: 5/29/2023 1:47:07 AM

Key matchups

Kai O’Donnell v Dane Aukafolau

Raiders back-rower, Kai O’Donnell has been impressive for the Raiders this season, and with an outstanding performance last week scoring two tries and running a total of 127 metres, O’Donnell is one to watch come Saturday as he looks to continue his impressive form and force himself back into NRL calculations.

O’Donnell has also proved to be a versatile player, rotating between the second row and hooker throughout the season. His strength and ability to read the opposition in attack and defence will be vital come Saturday as he leads from the middle.

The weekend won’t be easy for O’Donnell as he faces Sea Eagles second rower Dane Aukafolau who stands at 194cm tall. Aukafolau has proved he isn’t afraid to find the line, scoring an impressive three tries in his last four appearances.

O’Donnell’s game fitness will be crucial on Saturday, as he will need to work hard through the middle of the park, and especially if he wants to conquer the challenging attack of Aukafolau.

Trey Mooney v Terrell May

Raiders young gun Trey Mooney finds himself starting in the front row after a solid performance in lock last weekend.

Mooney managed to run for 164 metres, with 64 post contact metres and two line breaks, all in just 51 minutes of game time in last week’s triumph over the Newtown Jets.

With just four NSW Cup games under his belt, Mooney has proved to be a talented player at just 19-years of age, and with the experience of Hudson Young, Siliva Havili, and Matt Frawley around him, Mooney’s game is only set to improve.

This Saturday Mooney will go head-to-head with prop Terrell May who is a key player for the Sea Eagles. May tallied a total of 218 running metres in their loss last weekend against the North Sydney Bears.

May will certainly be one to watch, but there is no doubt Mooney’s can match his standards and come Saturday it will be a game of confidence between the two. It's sure to be an exciting match-up between two very talented young forwards.

It is the first time the Raiders NSW Cup side has played at GIO Stadium since round three of the competition, and they will hope to secure a win as they raise the curtain for the NRL match against the Brisbane Broncos.