The Raiders and Roosters renew their rivalry in Round 12 with both looking to consolidate a spot in the top eight and make a statement against a fellow contender.
After conceding 74 points in losses to the Broncos and Sharks in Round 7-8 the Raiders have turned the corner in a big way with comeback wins over the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs to sit sixth on the ladder.
The form of youngsters Ethan Strange, Kaeo Weekes and Xavier Savage has been a breath of fresh air in the national capital and there's a real buzz around the Green Machine on the back of coach Ricky Stuart re-signing until 2029.
The Roosters racked up a mammoth 138 points in wins over the Dragons, Broncos and Warriors before going down 38-30 to the Sharks in a quality contest at Magic Round.
Coach Trent Robinson may not have been thrilled with the 38 points conceded but he'll be liking what he sees in attack from his livewire No.7 Sam Walker and his powerhouse outside backs, while back-rowers Angus Crichton and Victor Radley are also in top form.
In seven clashes between the sides since the 2019 grand final it's the Raiders holding a slender 4-3 advantage, which suggests another tight encounter is on the cards at GIO Stadium on Saturday.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Raiders v Roosters
Team News
Raiders: Will take the field as named, with Albert Hopoate the replacement player. Jordan Rapana and prop Joseph Tapine are both good to go after receiving monetary fines for charges picked up in Round 11.
Roosters: Joey Manu returns from the concussion protocol and forms part of a Roosters side which will take the field as named mid-week. Victor Radley will start on an edge and Naufahu Whyte comes in at lock. Junior Pauga is the 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won six of their past eight games against the Roosters at GIO Stadium.
- The Roosters have averaged 42 points per game over the past month.
- Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has won seven of 17 games against the Roosters’ Trent Robinson.
- Roosters winger Dominic Young has scored six tries in his last four games.
- Raiders prop Joseph Tapine will make his 200th NRL appearance.
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.