NRL Round 2 Preview - Raiders v Knights @ GIO Stadium
Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights @ GIO Stadium
Preview - The Raiders will be looking to bounce back from their capitulation last week, as they take on a resurgent Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Sunday night. The Raiders somehow managed to blow two 18-point leads against the Titans, losing 30-28 with a final minute try to Konrad Hurrell being the dagger in their hearts. Having lost eight games by 6 points or less last year, it is a concern, even this early in the season that the Raiders couldn't see out the game. Newcastle are riding high after a memorable 19-18 golden point victory over the Sea Eagles last week in front of 23000 fans. The Knights, whilst patchy, showed the sort of grit and flair that is expected of a much-improved roster, in Nathan Brown’s thid season at the helm.
History - The Raiders finished off their home season last year with a thumping 44-28 victory over the Knights in a wild game of attacking football in Round 25. Earlier in 2017, the Knights pulled off a big upset over the Raiders, winning 34-20. The Knights have a great recent record against the Raiders, considering their lack of success, having taken the Green Machine to Golden Point twice last season for a loss and a draw. Overall, the Raiders have won 25 to the Knights 19, with 2 draws.
Canberra Raiders’ Scouting Report - The Raiders make a couple of changes with Ricky Stuart, moving Elliott Whitehead to the edge to replace Joe Tapine who is out with a broken finger. Luke Bateman will start at lock and Charlie Gubb is added to the bench.
Newcastle Knights’ Scouting Report - Nathan Brown unsurprisingly has made no changes to the side that beat Manly last week. Mitchell Pearce showed he can step up in key moments for his side, by kicking the winning field goal in Golden Point in his debut for the Club. Slade Griffin, Kalyn Ponga and Herman Ese’ese were all strong in their debuts with the Knight, showing far more quality in the side this season.
Verdict - Raiders by 10-20 in a high scoring game
The wind was taken out of the Raiders’ sails last week, so I’m expecting a big reaction here at home, with Ricky Stuart’s spray still probably ringing in their ears. I expect this game to be high scoring, with the Knights capable of scoring 3 tries, but I think the Raiders will get 5-6 tries. The Raiders have a sizeable advantage here in the forward pack and, if they play a simple power game, I see them winning the ruck which will create better opportunities for their outside backs.