After suffering back-to-back defeats to kick off 2023, the Raiders will be seeking a return to form in their first home game of the season against a Sharks side who beat the Eels last week.
Canberra surrendered a six-point advantage at the half in an eventual 20-14 loss to the Dolphins in Round 2, despite the Green Machine winning almost all of the key statistical categories across the 80 minutes.
With the Raiders struggling to make yardage through the opening two weeks – an area they rank 13th in heading into Round 3 – coach Ricky Stuart could be pondering changes to his forward pack.
On Sunday they'll face a Cronulla side who will have enjoyed a nine-day break after downing the Eels in Round 2, with fullback William Kennedy stepping up to put on a handful of key plays in the absence of Nicho Hynes.
After possessing the third-best defensive record in the regular season last year, the Sharks have leaked 26 points or more in both games this year and it's sure to be an area of concern for coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
A big factor in Canberra's favour is a dominant recent record against Cronulla, who they boast eight-straight wins against, while the Raiders won seven of their 10 games at GIO Stadium last year.
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Team News
Raiders: A couple of late changes for the home side with James Schiller replacing former NSW Origin winger Nick Cotric (hamstring) in the starting line-up. Emre Guler will start up front with Pasami Saulo dropping back to the bench. Trey Mooney replaces Ata Mariota (hand) with Matt Frawley 18th man.
Sharks: There are no late changes for the visitors. Jack Williams returns to the side after sitting out last week with a head knock, pushing Connor Tracey to 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Sharks and Dolphins are the competition's leading teams for points scored, each racking up 48 through two rounds.
- Wests Tigers are the only team who average more errors than Cronulla's 11.5 per game.
- Canberra have won their past eight games against the Sharks.
- Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton will play his 100th game at GIO Stadium.
- Sharks centre Jesse Ramien will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Raiders second-rower Hudson Young has scored four tries in his past five games against the Sharks
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.