2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

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Who will win?

Raiders 13+
1
8%
Raiders 1-12
9
69%
Draw
1
8%
Roosters 1-12
0
No votes
Roosters 13+
2
15%
 
Total votes: 13

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greeneyed
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2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by greeneyed »

2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

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Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters
Thursday 2 September, 7:50pm
Stadium Mackay
Gates open: 5:30pm
Tickets: Click here (Grandstand and standing room tickets available)
TV coverage: Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, Mix 106.3, 2CC
Weather: Mostly sunny. Slight (20 per cent) chance of a shower. Winds easterly 15 to 20 km/h tending southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h before dawn then increasing to 25 to 35 km/h in the morning. Chance of any rain: 20 per cent. Min 17 Max 25

One round remaining. Another must win game for the Canberra Raiders if they're to have a hope of making the top eight. All they can now do is win this clash against the Roosters, and then sit back and hope that the Cronulla Sharks drop their match against the Melbourne Storm on Friday night.

Last round: 2021 Round 24. Canberra Raiders 28 - New Zealand Warriors 16. The first 40 minutes was one of the worst of the season for the Green Machine. They conceded a try, through poor marker defence, inside the first 45 seconds. Good kicking put Bailey Simonsson and Sebastian Kris under pressure - and all of a sudden it was 16-0 in favour of the "home team" at Stadium Mackay. But after the 25th minute, the Warriors were unable to add another point. Canberra dominated for much of the second half - but they did not take the lead until the 79th minute. A sensational try from Jordan Rapana saw the dam wall break.



More on Round 24: As I saw it

Team news: The Raiders will be without Bailey Simonsson (groin) for one or two weeks. Jordan Rapana moves back to the wing, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to start at fullback. Sia Soliola comes into the team at lock, with Ryan Sutton dropping back to the bench. Joe Tapine (knee) has been named at starting prop. Jarrod Croker (knee) remains on the sidelines.

The Roosters have a long injury list, with Joseph Manu (fractured cheekbone) the latest big name to to be added. But this week they have been bolstered by the return of several players. Matt Ikuvalu (ankle), Josh Morris (hamstring), and Adam Keighran (head knock) come into the back line. Angus Crichton has been named in the second row after completing a suspension, while Jared Waera-Hargreaves (knee) is back at prop. Lachlan Lam replaces Sam Walker at half. Prop Fletcher Baker has been suspended for one week, for a crusher tackle.

Late changes: On Wednesday night, the Raiders omitted Elijah Anderson and Trey Mooney from their squad, leaving Sam Williams and Semi Valemei on the reserves list. The Roosters cut Moala Graham-Taufa and Daniel Suluka-Fifita from their extended bench.

History: The Raiders have won 30 of 68 matches against the Sydney Roosters. The Green Machine has been victorious in five of the past 10 games - but only two of the past seven.

The Roosters won all three games played between the clubs in 2019, including the Grand Final. They won 30-24 at Lang Park during Magic Round, after going to a 30-6 lead early in the second half. The Raiders' subsequent comeback fell short. Then in Round 21, Canberra suffered a narrow, 22-18, loss to the Roosters at Canberra Stadium - with the Raiders' comeback again just falling short. The Raiders lost 14-8 in the Grand Final. It was a game marred by officiating controversy, with the Green Machine being the better team for much of the contest.

In Round 10 last year, the Raiders won the Grand Final re-match, 24-20, in a courageous performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground. However, the Roosters got the win (18-6) in Round 17 as Canberra Stadium. In Week 2 of the 2020 finals, the Green Machine denied the Roosters the opportunity to win a third premiership in a row. They defeated the Sydney outfit, 22-18, at the Sydney Cricket Ground - getting some small measure of revenge for the 2019 decider.

Earlier this year, at Central Coast Stadium, the Roosters thrashed the Raiders 44-16. The two teams have never previously met at Mackay Stadium.


2021 Round 12 Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters


2020 Finals Week 2 Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters


2020 Round 17 Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters


2020 Round 10 Canberra Raiders V Sydney Roosters

Form: Raiders: LWLLW
Roosters: WLWWL

The Roosters are coming off a huge 54-12 loss to the Rabbitohs at Lang Park. They've had recent wins over the Dragons (40-22), Broncos (21-20) and Eels (28-0), but lost to the Panthers (20-14) in Round 21.

After valiant losses to the Storm (26-16) and Sea Eagles (19-18) - the Raiders got themselves back on the winners list against the Warriors last Friday night. Their only other recent win has come against the Dragons (20-12), while they suffered a very disappointing loss to the Knights (34-24) at Lang Park in Round 20.

Betting: The Raiders were briefly surprise favourites, but that's all changed since the teams were named. The Roosters are paying $1.71, the Raiders $2.15. The Raiders have 2.5 points start in the line betting.

Stat attack: The Raiders now sit amongst the bottom four teams in attack - but the news is better in terms of defence. They've moved into the top eight teams for fewest tries conceded. Just as well, as the Roosters are in the top four teams for most tries scored. The also rank fourth for line breaks and sixth for tackle breaks.

Roosters fullback James Tedesco sits in third place on the list of players with most tackle breaks (125). Most wouldn't be surprised at that. People might be surprised that Raiders winger/fullback Jordan Rapana now sits above him on that list - in second place (130). Tedesco also ranks fourth for try assists.

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou ranks second in the NRL for running metres and post contact metres in 2021 - behind Panthers winger Brian To'o. But he also ranks third for most errors. Jordan Rapana is not far away in terms of running metres, sitting in fifth place.

After losing to the Rabbitohs, Roosters coach Trent Robinson complained that the Roosters are the most penalised team in the competition. That's not true. The Bulldogs are the most penalised team. The Roosters are the second most penalised (Raiders fourth). Robinson shouldn't be surprised really. That's what happens after years of deliberately flouting the rules as a part of your game plan. Jared Waera-Hargreaves is the second most penalised player in the game (15) - but Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson isn't far behind (14).

The Roosters like to be free flowing in attack, but errors come with that style of play. They rank first for errors and fourth for handling errors. They're not without defensive problems either. They've posted the fourth most ineffective tackles, and the fifth most missed tackles. Second rower Sitili Tupouniua ranks third for most missed tackles and young half Sam Walker is placed sixth. Raiders forwards Elliott Whitehead (seventh) and Josh Hodgson (10th) are also in the top ten in that department.

2021 Season record: Raiders 10 and 13 (9th, -73)
Roosters 15 and 8 (6th, +117)

Attack: Raiders 20 points and 3 tries scored per match, ranked 13th on tries scored
Roosters 26 points and 5 tries scored per match, 4th on tries scored

Defence: Raiders 23 points and 4 tries conceded per match, equal 7th on fewest tries conceded
Roosters 21 points and 4 tries conceded per match, ranked 5th on fewest tries conceded

Possession: Raiders 48 per cent, Roosters 49 per cent

Completion rate: Raiders 78 per cent, Roosters 76 per cent

Running: Raiders 1599 running metres from 178 runs (13 dummy half runs), 169 kick return metres, 545 post contact metres per match
Roosters 1643 running metres from 181 runs (8 dummy half runs), 176 kick return metres, 547 post contact metres per match

Tackle breaks: Raiders 33, Roosters 33 per match

Line breaks: Raiders 4, Roosters 6 per match

Try assists: Raiders 3, Roosters 4 per match

Line break assists: Raiders 2, Roosters 4 per match

Offloads: Raiders 10, Roosters 9 per match

Kicking: Raiders 555 kicking metres from 20 kicks per match
Roosters 493 kicking metres from 18 kicks per match

Tackling: Raiders 352 made, 32 missed, 16 ineffective per match, 88 per cent tackle efficiency
Roosters 344 made, 33 missed, 17 ineffective per match, 88 per cent tackle efficiency

Running metres conceded: Raiders 1435, Roosters 1425 metres per match

Errors: Raiders 10, Roosters 12 per match

Handling errors: Raiders 8, Roosters 10 per match

Penalties conceded: Raiders 5, Roosters 5 per match

Penalties awarded: Raiders 5, Roosters 4 per match

Set re-starts conceded: Raiders 4, Roosters 4 per match

Set re-starts awarded: Raiders 4, Roosters 4 per match

Key match-ups:

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and James Tedesco: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad takes back the No. 1 jersey, after returning from injury via the bench two weeks ago. It was expected that he would miss the rest of the season after having neck surgery, but he looked good last week after playing some big minutes. He's only made seven appearances in 2021, so we should interpret his numbers carefully. But it is fair to say that his opponent this week, James Tedesco, is stronger in ball playing and attacking strike. Tedesco has been the No. 1 fullback in the game for some time, but this year he's probably been overtaken by Tom Trbojevic. He's still incredibly dangerous. The Raiders will really have to watch him, when he has the ball in hand. Tedesco wins this match-up for mine.

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Josh Papalii and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves: These two might not face each other directly, but they are the respective leaders of the pack for their teams. Josh Papalii was the best prop in the game in 2020, but he certainly had a form dip in the first half of the season. He's been getting back to his best in the run to the finals. He's still been the Raiders' premier forward. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is probably starting to show his age. Josh Papalii's numbers overall - on a per game basis - are clearly better than JWH.

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Sia Soliola and Isaac Liu: This could be Sia Soliola's final game of first class rugby league. It seems certain the 35 year old will retire at the end of this season. He's been a wonderful player for the Raiders, becoming a spiritual leader of the club. A senior mentor for others. A role model in terms of what he does for the community off the field. Sadly he's just lost his mother, who passed away recently in Samoa. The players in the Raiders' leadership group approached coach Ricky Stuart to support Soliola's selection this week. This year, Sia has primarily been a "benchie". Even when he's started, he plays low minutes, and that is reflected in his numbers. When you compare the numbers for these two players, Liu clearly comes out in front. But that's not why coach Stuart has selected Sia Soliola this week. It is the impact Soliola has on others, just by being there, just by being him.

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My tip: The Roosters are favourites in this clash. They have a big injury list, but they've named a strong team - partly due to the unexpected early return of Josh Morris and Matt Ikuvalu. But the statistics show the Roosters do have vulnerabilities. If the Raiders are smart, and determined, they have a good chance of getting an upset over the higher ranked team. With backs to the wall - and their finals hopes hanging on the result - I'm tipping they can do it. Raiders by six.

What they're saying:

Corey Horsburgh on Jordan Rapana: "He's a freak isn't he? That's probably six man-of-the-matches in a row. He's a different beast. He's like a fine wine - he's aging well. He breaks 20 tackles, he's definitely a freak and special to play alongside."

Canberra Raiders

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Harley Smith-Shields
3. Sebastian Kris
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. Matt Frawley
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Sia Soliola

14. Emre Guler
15. Ryan Sutton
16. Corey Horsburgh
17. Siliva Havili

18. Sam Williams
19. Semi Valemei

Injury/Suspension

Bailey Simonsson, Groin (Finals)
Jarrod Croker, Knee (Finals)
Corey Harawira-Naera, Suspension (Finals)
Tom Starling, Fractured jaw (Finals or Season)
Xavier Savage, Shoulder (Season)

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Adam Keighran
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Drew Hutchison
7. Lachlan Lam
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Sam Verrills
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Isaac Liu

14. Sam Walker
15. Egan Butcher
16. Ben Marschke
17. Tukupa Hau Tapuha

19. Brad Abbey
20. Naufahu Whyte

Injury/Suspension

Ben Thomas, Head knock (TBC)
Fletcher Baker, Suspension (Finals)
Victor Radley, Suspension (Finals)
Ben Thomas, Head knock (Finals)
Nat Butcher, Knee (Indefinite)
Dale Copley, Foot (Season)
Lindsay Collins (Season)
Luke Keary, Knee (Season)
Billy Smith, Foot (Season)
Joseph Suaalii, Foot (Season)
Joseph Manu, Cheekbone (Season)

Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch judges: Phil Henderson, Todd Smith
Video referee: Grant Atkins

NRL teams: Click here

Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #NRLRaidersRoosters
The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2021 #FromAllAngles

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Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
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Ilanraiders
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Ilanraiders »

Game day!! Go the Raiders!!!
"Learn to appreciate what you have, before time makes you appreciate what you had"!! RAIDERSTILLIDIE!!
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by -PJ- »

To the players

Please win.

Cheers PJ.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Azza »

I look forward to our miserable season being put to an end tonight.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Canberra Milk »

Famous last words but I don't think Tedesco has looked that good recently, by his standards. I'm not as scared as I have been in the past that he'll tear us a new one
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by -PJ- »

Canberra Milk wrote: September 2, 2021, 8:16 am Famous last words but I don't think Tedesco has looked that good recently, by his standards. I'm not as scared as I have been in the past that he'll tear us a new one
Oh he’ll tear.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Canberra Milk »

😢
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by -PJ- »

Exactly!!
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by BringinKris »

This feels to me like our Grand Final this season and I'm on tenterhooks.

Still hoping against hope for a late change in the Roosters line-up (would kill for Abbey for Tedesco or Naufahu Whyte for ST at 6:50 pm), but realistically we will be facing the best they can turn out. There are five smaller bodies in their side who we should ruthlessly target: Adam Keighron (not overly small but will be physically tested by Timoko), Lachlan Lam, Sam Verrills, Sam Walker and Ben Marschke. I would love to see our big, robust runners going at them all night long. Matching them in the first 20 minutes will be huge, as their bench forward rotation is definitely a downgrade. Sia has to hit like a train in his 15-20 minute stint - and hopefully take down one of their big forwards - any injury to a starting forward would leave them exposed. The Keighran-Ikavalu right side is where our dominant left side will be attacking and that will be key for us.

We have had some really heart-breaking losses this year; please boys go out with pride and leave nothing in the tank.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by BadnMean »

BringinKris wrote: September 2, 2021, 9:49 am This feels to me like our Grand Final this season and I'm on tenterhooks.

Still hoping against hope for a late change in the Roosters line-up (would kill for Abbey for Tedesco or Naufahu Whyte for ST at 6:50 pm), but realistically we will be facing the best they can turn out. There are five smaller bodies in their side who we should ruthlessly target: Adam Keighron (not overly small but will be physically tested by Timoko), Lachlan Lam, Sam Verrills, Sam Walker and Ben Marschke. I would love to see our big, robust runners going at them all night long. Matching them in the first 20 minutes will be huge, as their bench forward rotation is definitely a downgrade. Sia has to hit like a train in his 15-20 minute stint - and hopefully take down one of their big forwards - any injury to a starting forward would leave them exposed. The Keighran-Ikavalu right side is where our dominant left side will be attacking and that will be key for us.

We have had some really heart-breaking losses this year; please boys go out with pride and leave nothing in the tank.
Yeah when Sia put in his best performance earlier this year it was a few old school big hits involved. He should go hell for leather at JWH, would go a long way to winning if he blunts his impact.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Raider47 »

Interesting insights from Ricky on the Raider Nick podcast.

When asked if we were prepared for the quicker game this season, he said we have been working towards a faster game for the past 3/4 years and that his high performance team and Mullholland are always focussing on quicker, zippier players. Cited Tapine, Papa and Guler as players who are quick on their feet and proof of that.

Second point I found interesting was when he was talking about our long kicking game. Essentially said it forms part of every pre game team talk and he is so big on using our long term kicking game to win the territorial battle.

Interesting considering these two things have arguably been points of concern for all of us this season.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Raiders_Pat »

Raider47 wrote: September 2, 2021, 11:22 am Interesting insights from Ricky on the Raider Nick podcast.

When asked if we were prepared for the quicker game this season, he said we have been working towards a faster game for the past 3/4 years and that his high performance team and Mullholland are always focussing on quicker, zippier players. Cited Tapine, Papa and Guler as players who are quick on their feet and proof of that.

Second point I found interesting was when he was talking about our long kicking game. Essentially said it forms part of every pre game team talk and he is so big on using our long term kicking game to win the territorial battle.

Interesting considering these two things have arguably been points of concern for all of us this season.
The kicking thing is bizarre to me because we have rarely won the territorial battle through our kicking this year
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by BadnMean »

Raider47 wrote: September 2, 2021, 11:22 am Interesting insights from Ricky on the Raider Nick podcast.

When asked if we were prepared for the quicker game this season, he said we have been working towards a faster game for the past 3/4 years and that his high performance team and Mullholland are always focussing on quicker, zippier players. Cited Tapine, Papa and Guler as players who are quick on their feet and proof of that.

Second point I found interesting was when he was talking about our long kicking game. Essentially said it forms part of every pre game team talk and he is so big on using our long term kicking game to win the territorial battle.

Interesting considering these two things have arguably been points of concern for all of us this season.
So he obviously thinks kicking it earlier in the count is helping us...

I think it is clear that territory isn't as easy to hold onto in RL under the current rules so it's weighting your strategy toward a diminished reward- and it has the opportunity cost of starving our backs of ball as the tackles we kick on usually follow 3 one outs/dummy half scoots.

If he sees it getting quicker and really IS going to move the squad that way, then Croker and Hodgo stick out like sore thumbs- as does his insistence on picking lumbering props instead of a lock.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Northern Raider »

BadnMean wrote: September 2, 2021, 12:36 pm
Raider47 wrote: September 2, 2021, 11:22 am Interesting insights from Ricky on the Raider Nick podcast.

When asked if we were prepared for the quicker game this season, he said we have been working towards a faster game for the past 3/4 years and that his high performance team and Mullholland are always focussing on quicker, zippier players. Cited Tapine, Papa and Guler as players who are quick on their feet and proof of that.

Second point I found interesting was when he was talking about our long kicking game. Essentially said it forms part of every pre game team talk and he is so big on using our long term kicking game to win the territorial battle.

Interesting considering these two things have arguably been points of concern for all of us this season.
So he obviously thinks kicking it earlier in the count is helping us...

I think it is clear that territory isn't as easy to hold onto in RL under the current rules so it's weighting your strategy toward a diminished reward- and it has the opportunity cost of starving our backs of ball as the tackles we kick on usually follow 3 one outs/dummy half scoots.

If he sees it getting quicker and really IS going to move the squad that way, then Croker and Hodgo stick out like sore thumbs- as does his insistence on picking lumbering props instead of a lock.
I think its a case of moving in the direction of a fast/mobile team at a slower pace than we would like. Starting 3 to 4 years ago made sense when he let guys like Paulo and Boyd go and built the pack around Papalii and Tapine. Bringing in mobile edge players like Bateman and CHN. Going for a ball running half like GWilly. Also replacing a power centre in BJ with Curtis Scott. Obviously these all didn't work out but it did display a move towards mobility.

The flip side as you point out is keep picking an extra prop at 13 and loading the bench with middle forwards. Thats down to a coaching mentality more so than a recruitment issue.

You mention Hodgo and Croker too. Going forward we might see Hodgo in that ball playing lock role with Starling taking over at hooker. With Croker I'm struggling to see him having any impact next season. The club has to resolve that issue in the off season.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by BadnMean »

True, i did consider the Scott for BJ too, but my concern is we stalled for a year when we should have kept going down this road.

I remain unconvinced about Hodgo at lock, but until we get a ballplayer in the halves it might be the best (but ugly) solution.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Billy Walker »

I reckon a good start will be really important tonight and working from home with a fridge full of beer I’ve made a cracking start!
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Canberra Milk »

Northern Raider wrote: September 2, 2021, 1:00 pm
BadnMean wrote: September 2, 2021, 12:36 pm So he obviously thinks kicking it earlier in the count is helping us...

I think it is clear that territory isn't as easy to hold onto in RL under the current rules so it's weighting your strategy toward a diminished reward- and it has the opportunity cost of starving our backs of ball as the tackles we kick on usually follow 3 one outs/dummy half scoots.

If he sees it getting quicker and really IS going to move the squad that way, then Croker and Hodgo stick out like sore thumbs- as does his insistence on picking lumbering props instead of a lock.
I think its a case of moving in the direction of a fast/mobile team at a slower pace than we would like. Starting 3 to 4 years ago made sense when he let guys like Paulo and Boyd go and built the pack around Papalii and Tapine. Bringing in mobile edge players like Bateman and CHN. Going for a ball running half like GWilly. Also replacing a power centre in BJ with Curtis Scott. Obviously these all didn't work out but it did display a move towards mobility.

The flip side as you point out is keep picking an extra prop at 13 and loading the bench with middle forwards. Thats down to a coaching mentality more so than a recruitment issue.

You mention Hodgo and Croker too. Going forward we might see Hodgo in that ball playing lock role with Starling taking over at hooker. With Croker I'm struggling to see him having any impact next season. The club has to resolve that issue in the off season.
Well we did successfully add mobility after 2016/17. We had to because we were too lumbering, even on the old rules. That's the 3-4 years ago Ricky is talking about. The issue is, we need to add mobility *again* even further, due to Vlandysball. I don't think Ricky has made that second adjustment, as indicated yes by the lumbering lock and 6 prop rotation
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by 1992 »

BringinKris wrote: September 2, 2021, 9:49 am This feels to me like our Grand Final this season and I'm on tenterhooks.

Still hoping against hope for a late change in the Roosters line-up (would kill for Abbey for Tedesco or Naufahu Whyte for ST at 6:50 pm), but realistically we will be facing the best they can turn out. There are five smaller bodies in their side who we should ruthlessly target: Adam Keighron (not overly small but will be physically tested by Timoko), Lachlan Lam, Sam Verrills, Sam Walker and Ben Marschke. I would love to see our big, robust runners going at them all night long. Matching them in the first 20 minutes will be huge, as their bench forward rotation is definitely a downgrade. Sia has to hit like a train in his 15-20 minute stint - and hopefully take down one of their big forwards - any injury to a starting forward would leave them exposed. The Keighran-Ikavalu right side is where our dominant left side will be attacking and that will be key for us.

We have had some really heart-breaking losses this year; please boys go out with pride and leave nothing in the tank.
Welcome to the GH, Shillo.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Raiders_Pat »

1992 wrote: September 2, 2021, 5:43 pm
BringinKris wrote: September 2, 2021, 9:49 am This feels to me like our Grand Final this season and I'm on tenterhooks.

Still hoping against hope for a late change in the Roosters line-up (would kill for Abbey for Tedesco or Naufahu Whyte for ST at 6:50 pm), but realistically we will be facing the best they can turn out. There are five smaller bodies in their side who we should ruthlessly target: Adam Keighron (not overly small but will be physically tested by Timoko), Lachlan Lam, Sam Verrills, Sam Walker and Ben Marschke. I would love to see our big, robust runners going at them all night long. Matching them in the first 20 minutes will be huge, as their bench forward rotation is definitely a downgrade. Sia has to hit like a train in his 15-20 minute stint - and hopefully take down one of their big forwards - any injury to a starting forward would leave them exposed. The Keighran-Ikavalu right side is where our dominant left side will be attacking and that will be key for us.

We have had some really heart-breaking losses this year; please boys go out with pride and leave nothing in the tank.
Welcome to the GH, Shillo.
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BJ
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by BJ »

I think we’ll be flat tonight and a few guys will be secretly happy the season is over.

Hopefully I’m wrong.
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Raider47
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Raider47 »

Valemei playing ahead of Kris tonight.
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bonehead
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by bonehead »

BJ wrote:I think we’ll be flat tonight and a few guys will be secretly happy the season is over.

Hopefully I’m wrong.
I'll be happy either way, we're not in the premiership tilt so go have a break and refresh.
Flip side we get in the 8 and it's good for our sponsors especially Canberra Milk who have been great this year

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Edrick The Entertainer
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Raider47
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Raider47 »

And no JWH
LozzaG
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by LozzaG »

Raider47 wrote:Valemei playing ahead of Kris tonight.
Yes and in the centers!!! Surely not!!


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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by LozzaG »

Raider47 wrote:And no JWH
Where did you see that


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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Billy Walker »

bonehead wrote: September 2, 2021, 6:52 pm
BJ wrote:I think we’ll be flat tonight and a few guys will be secretly happy the season is over.

Hopefully I’m wrong.
I'll be happy either way, we're not in the premiership tilt so go have a break and refresh.
Flip side we get in the 8 and it's good for our sponsors especially Canberra Milk who have been great this year

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That’s the spirit lads.
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Off
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Off »

I'm watching the Doris Day Classic Pillow talk instead of putting myself thru this.
This place is woke.
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The Greenhouse
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by The Greenhouse »

Welcome to our coverage of tonight's NRL clash between the Canberra Raiders and Sydney Roosters. Join us for live scores from 7:50pm - and please join in with your own comments as the game unfolds. Here are the final team line ups. Sebastian Kris has been medically ruled out with Semi Valemei coming in at centre for the Raiders:

Canberra Raiders

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Harley Smith-Shields
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Jordan Rapana
19. Semi Valemei
6. Jack Wighton
7. Matt Frawley
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Sia Soliola

14. Emre Guler
15. Ryan Sutton
16. Corey Horsburgh
17. Siliva Havili

20. Elijah Anderson

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Adam Keighran
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Drew Hutchison
7. Lachlan Lam
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
9. Sam Verrills
13. Isaac Liu
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
15. Egan Butcher

14. Sam Walker
16. Ben Marschke
17. Tukupa Hau Tapuha
26. Naufahu Whyte

19. Brad Abbey
The Greenhouse score update service
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by luffraider »

Surely HSS now in the centre’s
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Billy Walker »

Question wrote: September 2, 2021, 6:58 pm I'm watching the Doris Day Classic Pillow talk instead of putting myself thru this.
Is that a euphemism for something mate?
julian87
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by julian87 »

If HSS doesn’t play centre I’ll be very disappointed. But Stuart is as Stuart does.
well, I guess you could say that I'm buy curious.
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Billy Walker »

LozzaG wrote: September 2, 2021, 6:55 pm
Raider47 wrote:Valemei playing ahead of Kris tonight.
Yes and in the centers!!! Surely not!!


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Raiders_Pat
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Raiders_Pat »

Raider47 wrote: September 2, 2021, 6:52 pm Valemei playing ahead of Kris tonight.
What I don't understand is why we put Rapana at centre instead of Smith-Shields. Rapana is an average centre but an excellent winger, whereas Smith-Shields is a centre above winger... why on earth would you select Rapana at centre before him?
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by Billy Walker »

Raiders_Pat wrote: September 2, 2021, 7:03 pm
Raider47 wrote: September 2, 2021, 6:52 pm Valemei playing ahead of Kris tonight.
What I don't understand is why we put Rapana at centre instead of Smith-Shields. Rapana is an average centre but an excellent winger, whereas Smith-Shields is a centre above winger... why on earth would you select Rapana at centre before him?
Who is selecting Rapa at centre now??
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KingDynamite
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Re: 2021 Rd 25 V Roosters: Game Day

Post by KingDynamite »

Raiders_Pat wrote:
Raider47 wrote: September 2, 2021, 6:52 pm Valemei playing ahead of Kris tonight.
What I don't understand is why we put Rapana at centre instead of Smith-Shields. Rapana is an average centre but an excellent winger, whereas Smith-Shields is a centre above winger... why on earth would you select Rapana at centre before him?
My thoughts exactly. Another head scratcher
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