The Toyota Forklift Raiders are gearing up to host the Wests Tigers on our home turf for the first time this season, kicking off on Saturday 3pm at GIO Stadium Canberra.
After an impressive win against the Knights in round one, the Raiders will be looking to carry over their good form this week against the Tigers.
The Raiders kicked off the 2024 season in style with a 28-12 victory over the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium, setting the tone for what looks to be a powerful season ahead.
Match: Raiders v Wests Tigers
Round 2 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan RapanaFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
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Winger for Raiders is number 2 Albert HopoateWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Charlie Staines
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Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew TimokoCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Starford To'a
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian KrisCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Solomona Faataape
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Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier SavageWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Junior Tupou
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Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan StrangeFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
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Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal FogartyHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Jayden Sullivan
Forwards
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Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh PapaliiProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Danny LeviHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
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Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph TapineProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Zac Hosking2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 John Bateman
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Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan SmithiesLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Seyfarth
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom StarlingInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Aidan Sezer
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Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre GulerInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Fonua Pole
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Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Ata MariotaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Twal
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Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Pasami SauloInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Samuela Fainu
Reserves
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Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Nick CotricReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Asu Kepaoa
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Centre Sebastian Kris is sure to turn heads this game, as he makes his comeback from suspension this week after missing round one.
The Tigers are gearing up for their first match of the 2024 season after a bye in the opening round. After a significant club restructure, this match will be the official debut for Tigers head coach and former player Benji Marshall.
There’s no doubt the Tigers will be keen for a winning start to their season and will be looking to cause an upset in their first game of the year.
Adding to the intrigue of this weekend's match, former Raiders players Aidan Sezer and John Bateman will make their return to GIO Stadium Canberra, this time wearing the jersey of the Wests Tigers.
With both teams hungry for success, fans can expect another thrilling showdown this Saturday at GIO Stadium Canberra.
"[Last week's win] shows that we are willing to stick in and do the ugly stuff...and we're only going to get better."
Danny Levi #388
Last time they met
The Raiders defeated the Tigers at home in round 23 last season, with a final score of 22-18.
Key Match-Up
Hudson Young v Isaiah Papali'i
In this Saturday’s clash all eyes will be on the matchup between second-rowers Hudson Young and Isaiah Papali'i.
Young showcased his ability in the 2023 season, scoring an impressive nine tries with an average of over 100 running metres per game. His impressive season earned him a spot representing NSW in Game 1 of the 2023 State of Origin series.
Isaiah Papali'i arrived at the Wests Tigers in 2023 as one of the club's high-profile recruits. His stellar performances on the field have earned him recognition, including being voted the Dally M Second Rower of the Year in 2021, and more recently representing New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Championships.
As these two powerhouse players prepare to face off on the field, fans can expect an exciting showdown between two of the NRL's finest back-rowers.
Head to Head
This will be the 43rd matchup between the two clubs, with the Raiders currently holding onto an advantage of 23 wins compared to the Tigers 19.
