Raiders v Roosters: Key Matchup

The Roosters are coming off an amazing win over the Sharks, but their absence due to State of Origin duty of James Tedesco, Lindsay Collins, and Daniel Tupou makes winning in Canberra much more difficult.

The Raiders were unable to win despite bringing the Eels to the verge of loss on Sunday, and they have now lost three of their past five home games this season. The Raiders have won three of their last five home games since the start of the season.

In the years since the 2019 grand final, which was clouded by controversy and in which the Raiders’ Jack Wighton was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal despite his team’s defeat, there have been more interesting meetings between these two sides. These matches date back to the 2019 championship match.

Due to obligations in their home states, Wighton and Josh Papalii will be unable to compete for the Green Machine on Sunday. In order to stay in the top eight, the Green Machine will be without two key cogs.

Raiders

For the Blues’ first State of Origin encounter against the Maroons, both Jack Wighton and Josh Papalii are in camp. Matt Frawley came in for Wighton as the team’s five-eighth for rounds 9 and 10. Corey Horsburgh has replaced Frawley as the starting quarterback, and he now wears the No. 6 jersey he formerly wore. Corey Harawira-Naera and Trey Mooney, who is making his first appearance for the team, have replaced James Schiller on the bench.

Roosters

To protect James Tedesco, Joseph Manu moves from center to fullback, while Kevin Naiqama takes over at center. Billy Smith takes over on the wing for Daniel Tupou. As a reserve, Joseph Sualii, a developing prospect in the field of minor sports, was added to the Blues’ roster. He suffered a category one concussion against the Sharks, but the Roosters feel he will be able to return to play if the concussion tests are passed.

Since Lindsay Collins is practicing with the Maroons, Siosiua Taukeiaho has moved to the prop position and Sitili Tupouniua has been added to the starting lineup. Egan Butcher has been hired as the team’s new coach.

Key matchup

Because so many key players on both teams are unavailable, game management will be crucial. In his first game of the season, a loss to the Eels, Fogarty looked rusty, but he’ll be much better after the bye week. Keary has been in each of the Roosters’ 12 games this season, assisting on 11 tries and six line breaks. Their friendship is being strengthened by Sam Walker’s capacity to learn from a three-time premiership champion. The Raiders will need a new five-eighth and Fogarty to build a relationship quickly if they are to rebound from their loss to Parramatta.

After beating the Titans, the Raiders entered the top eight for the first time since round three. After defeating the Cowboys in round four, the Roosters ascended into the top eight, where they have remained ever since. The Roosters and Warriors pushed the Broncos and Raiders out of the top eight after week four.