NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Roosters

Talking Points

• Coach Ricky Stuart has named an unchanged lineup for this week after the side's comeback victory against the Penrith Panthers at home last weekend. 
• Connor Watson and Brandon Smith are the key inclusions for the Roosters this weekend, as they return from concussion protocols and a calf injury respectively. 
• The Roosters will be without representative stars Joseph Sua’ali’i and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, with Spencer Leniu starting in the front row and Micheal Jennings returning in the centres in their place. 
• Canberra Raiders flyer Xavier Savage enters this week's contest in a rich vein of form scoring five tries in his last six games, including two in last round's win. 
• With threats all over the field the Raiders defence will need to be alert, with Joseph Manu a key having scored seven tries in his last five games against the Green Machine. 
• The Canberra Raiders will be looking for their fourth win on the road for the season when they travel to Allianz Stadium on Sunday. 

"We're not going there to roll over, we've still got a point to prove and show this competition what we're really about."

Kaeo Weekes #397

Last Time They Met

In Round 12 this year the two sides faced off with the Sydney Roosters securing a 44-16 win over the Raiders at GIO Stadium Canberra.

Key Matchup

Kaeo Weekes vs Luke Keary 

The matchup between the five eighths will be an extremely important one in determining the outcome of the game, with both players having the ability to create opportunities and break the game open. 

Arriving in the nation’s capital at the start of the season from the Sea Eagles, Kaeo Weekes has been a shining light for the Raiders with his light footwork and speed being an x factor for the side’s attack. 

In fifteen appearances this year over three different positions, Weekes has impacted the contest every chance he has been given, crossing the try line on eight occasions and assisting a further five. 

Along with this, the crafty outside back poses a threat running the football averaging 126 running metres. 

Despite 2024 being his last season in the NRL, Luke Keary has been as skillful as ever for the Roosters in the charge for another premiership. 

Missing only one game this season, the three-time premiership winner has been an instrumental cog in the competition's best attacking outfit scoring four tries and assisting his teammates on 16 separate occasions. 

The battle between the two five eighths will be instrumental with both players having the ability to create for their teammates and attack at any opportunity. 

Head to Head

This will be the 46th matchup between the two sides, with the Roosters having the advantage with 29 wins compared to the Raiders 16.