The Canberra Raiders host the New Zealand Warriors at GIO Stadium on Sunday, August 3 in Round 21 of the NRL. The match kicks off at 2.00pm (AEST).
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What: NRL Round 21
Who: Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors
When: Sunday August 3, 2pm (AEST)
Where: GIO Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports
Things You Need To Know:
The Warriors welcome back gun half-back Shaun Johnson and the enigmatic Feleti Mateo, while Sione Lousi has been added to an extended bench. Jason Bukuya drops out of the side.
The Raiders have named an unchanged line-up from last week’s 34-18 loss to the Rabbitohs.
The Warriors are coming off two consecutive defeats, while Canberra have lost four of their last five.
Reason To Watch:
The Warriors missed Shaun Johnson badly in Sunday’s 22-12 loss to the Sea Eagles in Auckland. The number seven is one of the most exciting players in the comp and the key to the Warriors’ attack.
Reason To Turn Away:
While some fans have been happy to brave the cold and watch their team play, Canberra’s season is already dead, with the wooden spoon the only prize they are still in the hunt for in 2014.
Say What:
Ricky Stuart labelled the Raiders performance last week as “not first grade standard” and went on to say: “We made errors that I see in NSW Cup or QLD Cup.”
Final Word:
The Raiders’ form – both at home and away – has been woeful this season and they are languishing in 15th spot on the NRL ladder. But no team enjoys travelling to Canberra in early August and the Warriors are the most unpredictable team in the comp. The bookies favour the Warriors but we sniff an upset here. Raiders by four.
S.J.A 