BY ROB

Out of all the losing teams in round 3 the Raiders arguably lost in the best possible fashion, going down in a physical contest against the Warriors by a mere 8 points. Given the upsets and routings that followed for the rest of round this was a glass half full outcome for the Green Machine, who dropped to just third overall.

The Sharks on the other hand did nothing to dispel their current image as middle-tier marauders, except this time they were being mauled by a new era Wests outfit. The Sharks two narrow wins and one biggish loss has them at the end of the log-jam trying to squeeze itself into the 8 (they’re in 10th).

Both teams are essentially on an 8 day turnaround – the Raiders played a day earlier, but then had to get home from Christchurch while all the Sharks had to do on Saturday was scamper back from Leichhardt. While it’s not the glamour timeslot of the weekend both sides will be grateful for the 6:15 kickoff on Sunday, particularly Canberra who now slide into a rhythmic three Sunday nights in a row.

A win here could really bolster the Raiders early season platform. While they’re not facing the casualties of other clubs they’re also not quite able to nail down their top 17. There are still questions about the best roster for this team, but they’re being winnowed down each week into specific debates, rather than broad nets being cast on social media.

Changes

We start with a bit of upheaval in the backline. Albert Hopoate is out with mild burns after misadventures in the kitchen, and Nick Cotric has dropped down to NSW Cup/extended bench duties. In their respective places are Seb Kris, returning from his protocol week off after a failed HIA, and James Schiller, who’s been tearing through opposition defences in NSW Cup.

Up front there’s just one change, with Ata Mariota taking up Emre Guler’s bench spot while Guler heads back to cup for a bit of fine tuning by way of extended minutes. Those who were waiting for round 2 of Horse vs Hunt will have to wait until the Sharks journey to Canberra in round 8, as Big Red sits just outside the 17 while Hunt is out injured.

The Opposition

The Sharks were ascendant the first two weeks, pipping the Warriors in NZ and then comfortably defeating the Dogs. The Tigers brought them crashing back to earth last week, with their right side defence providing multiple headaches. The Sharks are without two key big bodies this week, with both Dale Finucane and Toby Rudolf out, meaning their remaining forwards will have to find a way to contain the Raiders pack. Briton Nikora is also still injured, with ‘Sifa Talakai finally shifting to the backrow to backfill.

Match-ups

Jordan Rapana vs Will Kennedy

Raps celebrates 200 games in green this round, joining a select list of Raiders and cementing his spot as one of the elder statesmen of the club. He was an absolute engine against the Wahs, copping lots of physicality while cleaning up everything that landed within range of him. Kennedy is a traditional Cronulla back – fast and athletic, and not someone to be underestimated, particularly if he pops up in an attacking sweep.

Morgan Smithies vs Cameron McInnes

He might not be generating quite the same feverish response as Zac Hosking but rest assured that Morgan Smithies is an equally astute buy for the Green Machine. A monster work rate in defence combined with calm hands in attack make him an excellent lynchpin for Canberra. Cameron McInnes is equally hardworking. A hard runner and an even harder, and highly effective defender, McInnes makes the most of every minute he’s on the field.

Rookie Radar

James Schiller gets the same loophole as X (who’s quite clearly gone next level in 2024). He’s been here before, but this time he’s here as not having him in the 17 would have been a full blown travesty of justice. Defenders have been wilting before him in cup, and Sticky will be hoping he can bring the same tenacity that his other young charges have demonstrated across the first three rounds. X and Strange continue to improve every week, epitomized by Savage wrangling a rampaging AFB just short of the try line last round.

In Conclusion

The Raiders currently score through two main options: Fog’s kicking game and medium-long(ish) range raids. They’re still working out what a structured attack should look like inside the opposition’s twenty, but that’s something that will take time. Expect them to knock down the Sharks front door through the middle and then shift wide to the likes of Timoko et al for some afterburner power action.

Raiders by 12+

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