The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders will be looking to snatch a win as they return home for a Sunday afternoon clash against the Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium, Canberra.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 18 -
home Team
Raiders
13th Position
away Team
Knights
9th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Coming off a tough 16 - 6 loss against the Storm last week, and a string of disappointing games, the Raiders will be desperate to prove themselves in front of fans at home this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Knights will be looking to carry over their winning momentum after securing a 34-26 win against the Eels last weekend at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Talking Points
- Sunday afternoon’s battle between 11th and 12th on the ladder will be hooker Tom Starling’s 100th game for the Raiders.
- Winger Jordan Rapana has scored six tries in his last six games against the Knights at GIO Stadium.
- There have been a few changes to this week’s lineup, as Simi Sasagi replaces Jordan Martin on the interchange bench, with Martin ruled out due to concussion protocols after failing a HIA last week.
- The Raiders backline sees Kaeo Weekes at fullback, Jordan Rapana on the wing, Albert Hopoate in the centres and Adam Cook at halfback. Sebastian Kris has been named 18th man.
- Newcastle’s lineup also features several changes, most notably the return of Captain Kalyn Ponga, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since Round seven.
Last Time They Met
In round one, the Raiders claimed a 28-12 victory over the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Key Match-Up
Xavier Savage vs Greg Marzhew
When the Canberra Raiders face off against the Newcastle Knights, all eyes will be on the dynamic wingers.
At just 22 years old, Xavier Savage has swiftly become a fan favourite for the Raiders.
In 15 appearances this season, he has scored 8 tries, with an impressive average of 132 running metres per game.
On the other side, we have the experienced 27-year-old Greg Marzhew, a representative of both Samoa and the Junior Kiwis.
In 12 appearances, he has scored 4 tries, with an average of 176 running metres per game. Marzhew will appreciate the return of Ponga, looking to imitate the strong combination they formed in 2023.
With Savage on the field, the Raiders' left wing is in safe hands, ready to take on any challenge and bring the excitement that fans have come to love.
Head-to-Head
This will be the 48th matchup between the two clubs, with the Knights holding a slim advantage of 23 wins to the Raiders 22, along with two draws.
