Raiders v Sea Eagles: Smithies unlikely; Haumole back from ban
The stakes could not be higher for the Raiders and Sea Eagles as the battle for finals spots goes into overdrive with five rounds to go in the regular season.
The Sea Eagles sit seventh on 27 competition points and arrive in Canberra refreshed after a bye and ready to welcome back Haumole Olakau'atu from suspension and speedsters Jason Saab and Reuben Garrick from head knocks suffered against the Roosters.
The Raiders pushed the Bulldogs to the limit in a hostile environment at Belmore on Sunday but the loss left them one win outside the eight with games against the Sea Eagles, Cowboys, Panthers, Roosters and Dragons to come.
A bumper crowd will be on hand at GIO Stadium to honour club favourite Josh Papali'i after he racked up 300 games on Sunday, with the Raiders looking to make it three straight on home soil.
The loss of powerful Englishman Morgan Smithies is a blow for the Raiders but Ricky Stuart has a crop of young forwards ready to do Big Papa proud by stepping up in a must-win match.
Match: Raiders v Sea Eagles
Round 23 -
home Team
Raiders
10th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
7th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stat Attack
- The Raiders are aiming for home and away wins against the Sea Eagles for the first time since 2016.
- Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored six tries in his past four games against the Raiders.
- Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty has landed his last 20 attempts at goal.
- Sea Eagles hooker Karl Lawton will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Raiders second-rower Hudson Young has scored five tries in his last seven games at GIO Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
