The Raiders made a rousing comeback to force the golden point against the eels, but Ricky Stuart wasn’t particularly impressed with what he’d seen from last year’s runner-up.
In contrast, Paul McGregor must have had a positive impact on his team’s performance against the taps, even though the kites were empty.
For many years, the Dragons have been unable to win in Canberra, and this weekend they are sure to be hostile to a small but vocal crowd returning to the GIO for the first time since the first round.
A broken nose suffered in the tough fight against the eels won’t slow down the impressive Raiders half of George Wiliams, and his showdown with mature rookie Adam Clune the Dragons will be one of many fascinating clashes in Canberra.
The Rundown
Team news
Raiders: Corey Horsburgh is out of the eel for 12 weeks after a Lisfranc injury to the foot. Joseph Tapine is a chance to return in a striker pack after a knee injury in a possibly straight swap. Halfback George Williams broke his nose in the loss to Parramatta, but should be fine.
Dragons: Jacob Host has told his teammates that he has made good progress after injuring his hamstring in the warm-up last week, but the Friday time slot is working against him. If Host is banned, Korbin Sims would likely stay in the bench.
Key match
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad vs. Matt Dufty. Raiders full-back CNK made two attempts to force the game into extra time last week and they will need his attacking magic again. Dragons No.1 Dufty has been sensational for the past three weeks, revealing a fantastic passing game that resulted in him making five attempts.
Stat attack
Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson has completed 299 tackles so far in 2020 – good enough for eighth place in the NRL. In relation to the England international, he is credited with an NRL high of 42 missed duels.
