The Titans head to the national capital chasing a third win on the bounce and will certainly fancy their chances after taking down the high-flying Broncos on Sunday.
Even without skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who was rested after Origin II, the Titans forwards took the game up to the highly touted Broncos pack, laying the foundation for their classy backline to lay on some scintillating tries.
At the end of a tumultuous week in which the club parted ways with coach Justin Holbrook, the players dug deep to register their best win of the season, holding the Broncos to half their season average of 23 points per game.
That defensive resolve will again be tested against a Raiders outfit that laid on three tries in 12 minutes to blow the game open against the Roosters on Sunday.
With Seb Kris (234m) and Albert Hopoate (249m) running riot out of the back field and Corey Horsburgh (145m and 50 tackles) continuing his outstanding form, the Raiders made it three wins from their past four outings and again served notice they are a force to be reckoned with in 2023.
The afternoon time slot should ensure plenty of free-flowing football as two exciting attacking outfits match motors in Canberra.
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Team News
Raiders: Just one change from the 17 named on Tuesday, with Ata Mariota starting at prop and Pasami Saulo reverting to the bench. Experienced prop Josh Papali'i is sidelined with a hamstring problem. Centre Jarrod Croker is good to go after being cleared of concussion.
Titans: After experiencing hamstring tightness during warm up, Phillip Sami dropped out of the side minutes before kick-off and was replaced by Jojo Fifita. The Gold Coast take the field otherwise as named mid-week, with captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui back after being rested in Round 17. Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran made a solid return from a toe injury and will be all the better for the run and will start at five-eighth.
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Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won seven of their past eight games against the Titans.
- Titans centre Brian Kelly has scored a try in his past three games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders have won only two of their past five games at GIO Stadium.
- Titans forward Joe Stimson will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Raiders winger Jordan Rapana has scored five tries in his past seven games against the Titans.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.