The Wests Tigers will be raring to go after a Round 1 bye but face a tough test against a Raiders team buoyed by a big first-up win over the Knights.
After picking up their second straight wooden spoon, the Wests Tigers must get away to a good start to keep loyal fans hopeful that 2024 will bring some much-needed success.
Rookie coach Benji Marshall will blood a host of new recruits with Jayden Sullivan and Aidan Sezer tipped to be handed first crack in the halves and star signing Justin Olam set to don new colours for the first time in his career.
Meanwhile, after downing the Knights 28-12 in arguably the biggest upset of Round 1, Ricky Stuart's side will fancy their chances against the wooden spooners as they open the gates on GIO Stadium for 2024.
Fogarty's composure and control with the boot was a standout for his side last week and the Wests Tigers will be sure to do their homework after the vice-captain scored two tries from pinpoint kicks aimed at the goalposts in their last meeting in 2023.
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Team News
Raiders: No late changes for coach Ricky Stuart, with the return of Seb Kris from suspension seeing him come in at centre and Albert Hopoate push out to the wing, with Nick Cotric dropping to 18th man. Hooker Danny Levi will play despite hurting his quad in Round 1 in Newcastle.
Wests Tigers: The side remains 1-17 for Benji Marshall's first official game as a NRL head coach. Teenager Lachlan Galvin makes his NRL debut in the halves alongside former Dragon Jayden Sullivan with Aidan Sezer on the bench. Also making his NRL debut is Brisbane Tigers 2023 grand final hero Solomona Faataape, who fills the hole left by Justin Olam (knee).
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Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won their past seven games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have won only one of their past six games at GIO Stadium.
- Raiders fullback Jordan Rapana has scored 15 tries in 13 games v Wests Tigers.
- As a player, Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall won 11 from 12 at GIO Stadium.
- The Raiders have not achieved back-to-back wins since Round 19 last year.
- Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has the chance to become only the seventh coach to notch 250 first-grade victories.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.