BY ROB

The Raiders enter round 9 up shit creek without a paddle. Or to be more precise, without four 2nd rowers and a prop.

Hudson – suspended. Noah – injured. Zac – injured. Big Papa – really injured. Matty Nice – still injured.

Luckily for everyone who bleeds green Sticky has resources he can call in moments like these. Simi Sasagi moves to the 2nd row alongside Ata Mariota. The domino effect sees Horse move into the vacant prop spot alongside Taps while Brailey assumes the role of lock.

The changes have rippled onto the bench, with Stuart selecting a broad spread of players to cover all eventualities. Pattie finally makes an appearance, and he’ll be a chance in the second half if Sticky can ration out his forward rotations. Dane Laurie and Chevy Stewart also get the nod, sensible insurance policies in case Kris has to be shuffled into the 2nd row.

Youngster Jordan Uta gets the final bench spot. He’s a big boy, a hard line runner and possess the kind of power Canberra are lacking. While he’s unlikely to see game time it’s always interesting to see who the coaching staff are thinking about blooding next.

The Titans are an odd bunch this year. After a round 1 flogging from the Sharks they’ve toiled away at the bottom of the ladder. Their standout moment was a 52-10 drubbing of the Eels in round 6, their only other win coming against the hapless Dragons.

Like almost every other team in this comp the Titans are a 50/50 proposition for the Raiders. With Jayden Campbell at 7 and Keono Kini at 1, and AJ Brimson lurking in the backline the Gold Coast have more than enough talent to launch multiple long-range attacks – whether this ragtag Raiders outfit can repel them is another question. Also look out for the Titans talented backrowers and Canberra’s ah, temporary ones?

The Raiders managed to keep pace with the Tigers during the first half last week, but Wests second half display of enthusiastic athleticism, and some dropped balls, saw those in green flailing in defence. Canberra can’t afford a repeat of that scenario this week.

In Conclusion

It’s going to take some astute interchange planning from Sticky, and 100% hot blood and courage from the men in green to finish this game as winners – here’s hoping!

Raiders by a Sasagi try!

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