2024 Round 6 v Titans: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*

[Andymachine]

Not sure that Woolford is a suitable bench player. He is solid and good at delivering crisp ball to get the forwards rolling forward and defends well but doesn't offer much in terms of a running game and basically every time he kicks its a disaster. Starling at least brings a change in style that might be required in some games where structure isn't working. At his best he has been able to bring that to the team.

Will be interesting to see how the pack pulls up after that game. There were a few players down at different points but that may create the opportunity to bring Mooney into this side.

Home game against a team we should beat comfortably on the back of a strong win..... what could possibly go wrong?

Starling's change of style is a net negative IMO. I would say that the last time Starling provided a game turning [positive] change of style with his running game was back when Hodgo was still with us and moving to lock when Starling came on. It's been a long time since Starling has looked good. He got 20 minutes yesterday in a game we dominated and ran one time for 5m. He currently provides nothing good for us when he comes on and it's been the case for a few seasons now. Woolford would at least keep our forwards coming onto the ball. I'd prefer Puru or Sasagi in the 14 over both of them though. Levi can go 80 minutes.

[Bluesbrother]

Not sure that Woolford is a suitable bench player. He is solid and good at delivering crisp ball to get the forwards rolling forward and defends well but doesn't offer much in terms of a running game and basically every time he kicks its a disaster. Starling at least brings a change in style that might be required in some games where structure isn't working. At his best he has been able to bring that to the team.

Will be interesting to see how the pack pulls up after that game. There were a few players down at different points but that may create the opportunity to bring Mooney into this side.

Home game against a team we should beat comfortably on the back of a strong win..... what could possibly go wrong?

Starling's change of style is a net negative IMO. I would say that the last time Starling provided a game turning [positive] change of style with his running game was back when Hodgo was still with us and moving to lock when Starling came on. It's been a long time since Starling has looked good. He got 20 minutes yesterday in a game we dominated and ran one time for 5m. He currently provides nothing good for us when he comes on and it's been the case for a few seasons now. Woolford would at least keep our forwards coming onto the ball. I'd prefer Puru or Sasagi in the 14 over both of them though. Levi can go 80 minutes.

Couldn't agree more.

[-TW-]

Not sure that Woolford is a suitable bench player. He is solid and good at delivering crisp ball to get the forwards rolling forward and defends well but doesn't offer much in terms of a running game and basically every time he kicks its a disaster. Starling at least brings a change in style that might be required in some games where structure isn't working. At his best he has been able to bring that to the team.

Will be interesting to see how the pack pulls up after that game. There were a few players down at different points but that may create the opportunity to bring Mooney into this side.

Home game against a team we should beat comfortably on the back of a strong win..... what could possibly go wrong?

Starling's change of style is a net negative IMO. I would say that the last time Starling provided a game turning [positive] change of style with his running game was back when Hodgo was still with us and moving to lock when Starling came on. It's been a long time since Starling has looked good. He got 20 minutes yesterday in a game we dominated and ran one time for 5m. He currently provides nothing good for us when he comes on and it's been the case for a few seasons now. Woolford would at least keep our forwards coming onto the ball. I'd prefer Puru or Sasagi in the 14 over both of them though. Levi can go 80 minutes.

He peaked during peak Vlandys ball where everything was a set restart and it was basically a game of touch footy.

Now they've wound that back he's nowhere near as effective

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[bonehead]

Starling's best recent performance was when levi broke his jaw and Tommy played 70mins, this whole "bring the chaos" doesn't work but any more than 50mins Levi starts struggling worse.

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[zim]

I think this is the perfect week for Rapana to have a rest and not turn that knee niggle into a surgery. I wouldn't have put him back on. Give the kid a run.
Levi looked like he could go 80 in that Parra game but it was a very stop/start game and we dominated for most of it.
Assuming Hopoate, Whitehead and Corey Horse will also be out.

1. Chevy Stewart
2. Xavier Savage
3. Sebastian Kris
4. Matthew Timoko
5. James Schiller
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali'i
9. Danny Levi
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Morgan Smithies

14. Zac Woolford
15. Pasami Saulo
16. Ata Mariota
17. Trey Mooney

[Raiders_Pat]

Starling is the luckiest bloke to make the 17 each week without a question imo. Maybe he brings something to the squad off the field that I don't see, but I agree 100% with others that he's not adding any value on the field. Levi, Hopoate and Saulo you can all make arguments for even if there are other guys who you would probably go with before them. I struggle to see the argument for Starling... any idea that he provides impact is based on performances from several seasons ago.

[Raiders_Pat]

A lot of people are picking Stewart in their 17 for this game if Rapana is rested, but I think chances of it happening are incredibly slim. Far more likely that Kris or even Savage will go to fullback with Sasagi or Hopoate to go to the centres. Hard to speculate on how we might line up without knowing who will be available and I think there are a few different options we could go with, but Stewart to fullback for this round is the most unlikely outcome imo.

[pickles]

Starling is the luckiest bloke to make the 17 each week without a question imo. Maybe he brings something to the squad off the field that I don't see, but I agree 100% with others that he's not adding any value on the field. Levi, Hopoate and Saulo you can all make arguments for even if there are other guys who you would probably go with before them. I struggle to see the argument for Starling... any idea that he provides impact is based on performances from several seasons ago.

Starling certainly hasn't been killing it but I don't think we have a utility in the team who has the capacity to play big minutes at hooker in the case of an injury. I could be wrong about that but there isn't anyone in the forward rotation that jumps out to me.

So based on the assumption that we need to carry a hooker on the bench and that Levi has locked ion the starting role at the moment it only leaves 3 options. Starling, who has not set the world on fire but defends strongly and doesn't make many errors, Woolford who is solid but pretty one dimensional, or Trevilian who is untested at NRL level.

Given that we are talking about a player who is likely to get 20 minutes off the bench I don't think it has a massive impact. If you are going to play Woolford for 20 minutes he is probably better off starting the game though.

Maybe Trevilian will emerge as a genuine option but in terms of development he is probably better off playing longer minutes in lower grades for the moment.

[greeneyed]

'Dorguson', 'Leipana' and now ... Kris-X? Raiders bromances inspire a new combo



Dorguson has been and gone. There's only one half of Leipana left. But could highlights of Leipana ignite the next Green Machine bromance - Kris X? Xavier Savage and Sebastian Kris are in the embryonic stages of their left-edge, centre-wing pairing and it was all inspired by footage of an early Canberra Raiders backline duo.



So what do we call them? Kravage? Sris? Kris X - pronounced "Kris Kross", a la moto-x or the the 1990s hip-hop group if you remember these guys - has a certain ring to it.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14280

[The Nickman]

It's Kravage, stupid!

[thevikingclap on ig]

1. Rapana (Chevy if unavailable)
2. Schiller
3. Timoko
4. Kris
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papa
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Hosking
13. Smithies
14. Starling
15. Mariota (mooney if unavailable)
16. Sasagi
17. Saulo

[Raiders_Pat]

Starling certainly hasn't been killing it but I don't think we have a utility in the team who has the capacity to play big minutes at hooker in the case of an injury. I could be wrong about that but there isn't anyone in the forward rotation that jumps out to me.

So based on the assumption that we need to carry a hooker on the bench and that Levi has locked ion the starting role at the moment it only leaves 3 options. Starling, who has not set the world on fire but defends strongly and doesn't make many errors, Woolford who is solid but pretty one dimensional, or Trevilian who is untested at NRL level.

Given that we are talking about a player who is likely to get 20 minutes off the bench I don't think it has a massive impact. If you are going to play Woolford for 20 minutes he is probably better off starting the game though.

Maybe Trevilian will emerge as a genuine option but in terms of development he is probably better off playing longer minutes in lower grades for the moment.

Considering that we don't need our bench hooker to play anything other than hooker for 20-25 mins, I'd go with Woolford or Trevilyan. Go with either one and rotate them so they can get good game time in NSW cup in case either of them ever has to play out big minutes in first grade if there's a injury. Their service out of dummy half is more reliable than Starling's imo.

Fine to have Starling in the 17 when we're pounding the Eels... but when we're behind and trying to catch up in the final 20 minutes like the previous week he becomes a liability.

[Ruben Daley]

Starling has had some great moments this season, including when he stopped a charging Marzhew one-on-one, which allowed he and Papa to drive Marzhew back in goal. He’s had other big defensive efforts like that and his energy is noticeable most weeks.

That said, his attacking influence is minimal. Other hookers are still causing havoc running from dummy-half - see Egan on the weekend. But Tommy hasn’t got anywhere near the V’landysball days.

I don’t mind him in 14 though I would like to see how Woolford handles it. And I still feel like my original position of Woolford to start and Starling/Levi at 14 (or Puru) may still be correct.

[LimeGreenMachine]

Campbell in a moon boot. Foran and Campbell going for scans .

[The Nickman]

The Titans really are in a pretty bad way. If we're serious about this season we should absolutely give them the business next weekend.

[-TW-]

The Titans really are in a pretty bad way. If we're serious about this season we should absolutely give them the business next weekend.

After 3 13+ wins so far this year we 100% should

However I would not be surprised if we come out like we did vs the sharks and fumble and bumble to a 24-22 win

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[LimeGreenMachine]

We are at home , they are broken and desperate.

They made a comeback on the weekend after Cows were down a man.

We should towel them up and I think we will. Even if Horse and Raps are out

[Seiffert82]

Aim to keep them scoreless and the rest will look after itself.

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[Azza]

It's Kravage, stupid!

Ooohhh he card read good!

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders sweat on scans for Rapana and Horsburgh, while Hopoate will miss another week

The Raiders are sweating on the outcome of scans for prop Corey Horsburgh (hernia/groin) and fullback Jordan Rapana (meniscus). Both suffered injuries in Sunday’s match against the Eels at Canberra Stadium.

Meanwhile, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart confirmed outside-back Albert Hopoate (burns) would miss another week. Ata Mariota (slight MCL strain) was cleared of serious injury on Monday, but Elliott Whitehead (calf) is unlikely to come back for another one to two weeks.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14280

Injury update: Jordan Rapana and Corey Horsburgh: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2024/04 ... horsburgh/

'You're my favourite': moment of pure joy sums up dream footy double: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14280

[Regs Revolution]

That’s funny, on the league live app they’re saying that the Raiders have confirmed that both of them have no serious injuries…

[benda]

A lot of people are picking Stewart in their 17 for this game if Rapana is rested, but I think chances of it happening are incredibly slim. Far more likely that Kris or even Savage will go to fullback with Sasagi or Hopoate to go to the centres. Hard to speculate on how we might line up without knowing who will be available and I think there are a few different options we could go with, but Stewart to fullback for this round is the most unlikely outcome imo.

I've noticed the same thing.

Kris isn't our long term fullback. He should be our long term centre.

If Rapana is rested, I'd consider putting someone at FB that we could consider with a longer term view. Every top side has a fullback. I dont know yet if we are a "top side" ( I think not yet).... so I'd name a side that has a starting fullback that is long term.

My gut tells me that switching Rapana and Savage during the game is not something Stuart is keen on doing. Which is weird. 2022 Savage was pretty good.. so there could be data points for Stuat's decision here that aren't obvious to us.

[julian87]

It really is the perfect opportunity to give Stewart a debut.

Therefore I expect to see Rapana rested and Hopoate at 1 at 4pm tomorrow.

And I’ll add that I think it would be once again unfair on Seb Kris to shift him away from centre when there are other better options at 1.

[gangrenous]

Also, this is an important game for us - let’s see whether we get complacent against the team likely to finish at the bottom.

Did you forget about Souths?

[greeneyed]

How about this for a stat or three…

The Raiders’ three wins this year have been by an average of 23 points. Their smallest win - 16 points - was bigger than any of the 13 wins they had last year. Just 10 per cent of the Raiders' wins over the past 15 years have been by 19 points or more.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14280

[Neeeegz]

When hopoate "has" to come back in, it should be at centre with Kris to fullback.
Stewart is showing good signs in cup, strong, not getting driven back, takes hard carries,
I'd say not quite ready, but close.
Just to give rapa a week off for niggles

[Dylan’s Raiders]

Hopa is out for another week so there’s also a good chance he returns via cup round 8

[radicalraider]

Hoppa on brimson.. i don't think so

[Andymachine]

When hopoate "has" to come back in, it should be at centre with Kris to fullback.
Stewart is showing good signs in cup, strong, not getting driven back, takes hard carries,
I'd say not quite ready, but close.
Just to give rapa a week off for niggles

Disagree. Savage will catch a cold outside of Hoppa, as every time he touches the ball is an opportunity for a hit up, which he gladly takes. The ball does with Hoppa. He should be wing or nothing.

I haven't been watching NSW Cup so I dont know how Chevy is going. If it's not him then I think Savage is the clear best choice to play fullback for a week if Rapa needs a rest. As well as Savage being a better fullback than the others, it would allow Kris to stay at centre where he plays his best footy, and if Hoppa must play then it would allow him to come in on the wing.

[-TW-]

Hoppa on brimson.. i don't think so

Brimson stinks as a centre.

The sooner they move him back to either five eighth or fullback the sooner they might look like being competitive

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[benda]

Not sure that Woolford is a suitable bench player. He is solid and good at delivering crisp ball to get the forwards rolling forward and defends well but doesn't offer much in terms of a running game and basically every time he kicks its a disaster. Starling at least brings a change in style that might be required in some games where structure isn't working. At his best he has been able to bring that to the team.

Will be interesting to see how the pack pulls up after that game. There were a few players down at different points but that may create the opportunity to bring Mooney into this side.

Home game against a team we should beat comfortably on the back of a strong win..... what could possibly go wrong?

Starling's change of style is a net negative IMO. I would say that the last time Starling provided a game turning [positive] change of style with his running game was back when Hodgo was still with us and moving to lock when Starling came on. It's been a long time since Starling has looked good. He got 20 minutes yesterday in a game we dominated and ran one time for 5m. He currently provides nothing good for us when he comes on and it's been the case for a few seasons now. Woolford would at least keep our forwards coming onto the ball. I'd prefer Puru or Sasagi in the 14 over both of them though. Levi can go 80 minutes.

Couldn't agree more.

The first time we saw Starling properly was when we had Hodgson and he got injured the first time (can't remember what year that was) ... he was great then if I recall....

I havent been paying specific attention, what has changed???? Why was he so effective then and not so much now?

[Rick]

I think teams have realised he is a 1 trick pony.


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[benda]

When hopoate "has" to come back in, it should be at centre with Kris to fullback.
Stewart is showing good signs in cup, strong, not getting driven back, takes hard carries,
I'd say not quite ready, but close.
Just to give rapa a week off for niggles

Disagree. Savage will catch a cold outside of Hoppa, as every time he touches the ball is an opportunity for a hit up, which he gladly takes. The ball does with Hoppa. He should be wing or nothing.

I haven't been watching NSW Cup so I dont know how Chevy is going. If it's not him then I think Savage is the clear best choice to play fullback for a week if Rapa needs a rest. As well as Savage being a better fullback than the others, it would allow Kris to stay at centre where he plays his best footy, and if Hoppa must play then it would allow him to come in on the wing.

Wingers with speed is what we should stick with. We haven't scored long ranges tries like we did against Parra... well.. I cant remember for how long.

But I understand, hoppa for some reason must come in. I'll leave it for Stuart to make the decision. I just would leave our centres and wingers in tact.

[benda]

I think teams have realised he is a 1 trick pony.


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What does Cook do that Starling can't?
Maybe he needs to mirror more of Cook's game. Don't know.

Its a shame, because he was really effective a few years back for us. I do notice when he comes on we drop.

I struggle to also understand why Woolford isn't either let go or put back in our starting side. I rate him as our number 1 hooker. I do see Levi improving tho.

[tommyhud9]

We have struggled to have any attacking identity for years now, but last night I think we saw the birth of one.

Right side featured the power of Timoko and the speed of Schiller.

Left side it is clear that Kris and Savage have great chemistry and Savage's speed is lethal.

Pls Ricky, keep it as is.