The Raiders recorded a much need win, only their fourth of the season, when proving too strong for an undermanned Cowboys outfit in round 11, 42 – 12.
They then faced the Roosters who, largely unaffected by Origin, fielded a near full-strength side in round 12.
Special Offer: $250 Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos FREE BET
The Raiders trailed 18 – nil at half time and the game could’ve blow out but the Canberra side showed good commitment in the second stanza, keeping the Roosters to only one more try whilst crossing twice themselves and bringing some respectability to the 26 – 12 score-line.
There’s been some improvement in the Raiders performances the past two rounds but they still have a long way to go.
The Raiders have conceded more than 26 points in five of their last seven games and until they tighten up this defence, wins are going to prove hard to come by.
Stewart is going with he same squad that took on the Roosters.
BRONCOS
Brisbane recorded their third win on the trot and their best win of the season when defeating Manly 36 – 10 at Suncorp last Sunday.
The home-side got off to a flyer, posting two tries inside of the first ten minutes and at half-time, led by a comfortable sixteen points (20 – 4).
Dale Copley bagged a double to make it five tries from the past four games whilst Lachlan Maranta continued his good form and crossed for a four pointer as well.
With Justin Hodges returning to the centres for the clash, the Copley goes back to the wing and Maranta onto an extended bench.
The Broncos will have their tails well and truly up after last week and with Hodges’ return and Sam Thaiday, who returned for the first time in two months against Manly and only played 35 minutes, better again and be leading from the front, the Broncos will be a hard nut for the Raiders to crack.
HEAD TO HEAD
Canberra have won their last two games against the Broncos and since 2006, hold a commanding 6 – 1 record over the Brisbane side when playing in Canberra.
Only twice in the past six however, have teams posted more than 14 points in a game again the Broncos and their defence should hold up a lot stronger than that of the Raiders.
The head to head stats for this game are surprising and make you stop and think but on the form of each team here and now, can only see a Bronco victory here.
Odds Comparison:
Canberra Raiders | 2.30 | 2.30 | 2.30 | 2.30 | 2.30 | 2.25 |
Brisbane Broncos | 1.65 | 1.65 | 1.64 | 1.65 | 1.65 | 1.65 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Teams:
Raiders: Anthony Milford, Reece Robinson, Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Sami Sauiluma, Terry Campese (c), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Glen Buttriss, Brett White, Josh Papalii, Jarrad Kennedy, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Mitch Cornish, Paul Vaughan, Dane Tilse, Shannon Boyd
Broncos: Ben Barba, Daniel Vidot, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Dale Copley, Josh Hoffman, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Corey Parker, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett. Interchange: Todd Lowrie, Corey Oates, Ben Hannant, Jarrod Wallace, David Stagg, Lachlan Maranta