NRL Round 16 Preview and Prediction - Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos @ GIO Stadium

Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos @ GIO Stadium 

Preview - The Raiders will be desperate to get back into the winner's circle when they host the Broncos in a crunch match-up for the home side at GIO Stadium on Saturday night. The Raiders have made a habit of catching defeats from the jaws of victory this year, and this was evidenced in the extreme in their last defeat 24-20 at the hands of the Panthers, as they gave away a seemingly unassailable 8-point lead with 2 minutes to go. Ricky Stuart's men are now sitting precariously in 10th place with just 6 wins from 14 games and a tough draw for the remainder of the season if they want to edge their way back into the finals. The Broncos are sitting in relative comfort in 4th spot after their gritty 24-18 victory over the Rabbitohs back in Round 14. Whilst it wasn't the Broncos most impressive win of the season, it was a steadying result after back-to-back losses saw them sitting outside the Top 4. 

History - The Broncos are on a roll against the Raiders of late, winning the past 4 clashes between the sides. Earlier this season, back in Round 5 at Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos held on for a 13-12 victory in a gripping affair played on a heavy track. Interestingly, when these 2 sides clash, it is usually low scoring with 9 of the previous 12 games having 40 points or less overall. 

Canberra Raiders' Scouting Report - The Raiders get an injection of quality and size up front with enforcer Shannon Boyd fit to return from a knee injury which shifts Sia Soliola back to his preferred position in the back row. The Raiders' young winger Nick  Cotric would have to be in contention for rookie of the year with some outstanding performances this season, including another try against the Panthers in their last outing.

Brisbane Broncos' Scouting Report - The Broncos have lost their captain Darius Boyd for an extended period, with him being ruled out with a broken hand. The Broncos are less impacted by Origin this time around with both Corey Oates and Sam Thaiday having been dropped, meaning they will come into this game fresh and with a point to prove. Both Matt Gillette and Josh Maguire have been named, however could be rested with Jai Arrow and Jayd'n Suu waiting in the wings. Interestingly, Wayne Bennett has stuck with Benji Marshall in the halves alongside Kodi Nikorima, with Ben Hunt being named on the interchange bench. 

Verdict - Raiders by 8-16 in a high scoring game

I keep sticking with the Raiders this year despite their inconsistency, so I will back them here again against a Brisbane side with several players backing up from Origin 2. The Raiders have blown so many games this year it's not funny, and Ricky Stuart will know this game is a must-win for his men. They have an outstanding record against the Broncos in Canberra, and I think they get them at a good time here, with the Raiders fresh off a bye and the Broncos having some banged up players returning. Like most Raiders' games this season, I expect it to be close, however I think the Raiders have more to play for in this game and might be a little more desperate than a Broncos' side sitting comfortably in the Top 4.