The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders look to bounce back at home this weekend, taking on the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks this Sunday afternoon in ANZAC round.
The Raiders will be hoping to redeem themselves after going down to the Brisbane Broncos last week. Canberra will be looking to hold their home record, claiming victories in all three home games of the 2024 season.
Coming off a commanding 42-6 victory against the North Queensland Cowboys last week, and three consecutive wins prior, the Sharks will be looking to carry over this momentum into this weekend.
Talking Points
- Halfback Jamal Fogarty has been ruled out due to a bicep injury, he has undergone surgery and is expected to miss between 12-14 weeks.
- Kaeo Weekes will become Raider #397 after he was named to make his debut in place of Fogarty, partnering alongside Ethan Strange in the halves.
- Simi Sasagi has been named to start in the second row, with Ata Mariota shifting back to the bench.
- Sione Katoa will be returning to his place on the wing this weekend after serving a one-match suspension for a high tackle, pushing last week’s debutant Samuel Stonestreet back to the reserves.
- Sharks five-eighth Daniel Atkinson has been promoted from the reserves in place of Braydon Trindall.
They had a lot of time together in the preseason and it's an exciting time for them. They're two young halves ready to go. They'll take control of the team and the boys have full faith in them.
Tom Starling on Kaeo Weekes & Ethan Strange #362
Last Time They Met
In round four, the Raiders were defeated 36-22 by the Sharks at Pointsbet Stadium.
Key Match-Up: James Schiller v Sione Katoa
Both sets of fans will be looking to the battle on the wing between James Schiller and Sione Katoa to see what they bring to the field this Sunday.
Returning this weekend after serving a one-match suspension for a high tackle, the Tongan international player will be looking to make noise as he reclaims his spot on the wing.
In the 2024 season, Katoa has already notched up three tries in five appearances, with an average of 148 running metres, showcasing his ability to make significant ground with every possession.
The Canberra young gun James Schiller has been making waves in his second season with the Raiders.
In the 2024 season, Schiller has made a name for himself as a try-scoring machine, crossing the try line five times in just four appearances. The winger’s average of 166 running metres indicates his ability to gain valuable ground for his team.
In a game where every metre and every try counts, the battle between these two dynamic wingers is sure to be a highlight of this week’s NRL action.
Head-to-Head
This game serves as a tiebreaker, as these teams have faced off 50 times before, both holding an equal share of 25 wins against each other.
