Rugby LeagueEddie OttoComment

NRL Round 6 Preview - Raiders v Eels @ GIO Stadium

Rugby LeagueEddie OttoComment
NRL Round 6 Preview - Raiders v Eels @ GIO Stadium

Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels @ GIO Stadium
 
Preview - The Canberra Raiders will be searching for back-to-back victories to kick start their season when they take on the winless Eels at GIO Stadium on Saturday night. The Raiders finally broke through at the 5th time of asking last week, with a gritty 24-10 win over the Bulldogs in a match where they finished with no one left on the bench. The Eels’ horrible start to the season continued, going down to the Panthers for the second time this season, this time 12-6, to go to 0-5 and alone at the bottom of the NRL ladder. 
 
Canberra Raiders’ Scouting Report - Jack Wight is expected to play at fullback despite being under a cloud for an off the field incident. This pushes Nick Cotric to the wing and Michael Oldfield to reserves. Sam Williams is replaced in the halves by Blake Austin who will be keen to prove a point. Josh Papalii has earned a reprieve on the bench after being dropped, after performing well for Mounties last week. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels welcome back 2 of their key backline players with the return of Clint Gutherson and Bevan French. Sutherland was outstanding for the Eels last year in several key positions however will be severally tested first up off a Knee reconstruction at fullback. 
 
Verdict - Raiders by 6-14 in a high scoring game

I really think Canberra can build off what they started last week and beat Parramatta fairly handily here. The Eels threw everything into the game against Penrith and would have been left physically and mentally shattered following a close loss on a hot day. The Eels should be improve with Gutherson and French back however I'm expecting Gutherson to be tentative first back up from injury. Facing a 6-day turn around in Canberra won’t be easy, considering the Raiders have a 9-day turnaround, and I think if the Raiders get on top early here they might be able to steamroll the Eels somewhat in a high scoring game and go some way to getting their season back on track.