Raiders v Warriors: Croker back for 300th; Leiataua to debut
As they celebrate skipper Jarrod Croker's 300th NRL game in Round 15 the Raiders will be hunting a third-straight win, taking on a Warriors side who were big winners last week.
Having rested Croker from last week's 20-19 victory over the Wests Tigers, Canberra have set the scene for an emotional night on Friday as they seek to make it seven wins from their past eight games and climb further towards a spot in the top four.
The Warriors got back to winning ways with a second-half scoring blitz which saw them to a comfortable 30-8 win over the Dolphins, with veteran No.7 Shaun Johnson stealing the show.
In their last four meetings both sides have enjoyed two wins each, while the Raiders have a slight advantage in the overall head-to-head record, with 26 wins from 48 games.
At GIO Stadium the Warriors have won three times in their last four visits, a far cry from their record through the late 1990s and 2000s which saw them leave the venue with just one win in 11 games at one stage.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Raiders v Warriors
Team News
Raiders: The Raiders are 1-17 with no late changes. Jarrod Croker returns at centre for his 300th NRL game so Albert Hopoate goes back to the wing and Nick Cotric goes to the bench. Seb Kris (knee) is also back on deck in the No.1 jersey so Harley Smith-Shields makes way. Skipper Elliott Whitehead returns from a two-game suspension in the second row so Corey Horsburgh goes to lock, Joe Tapine to prop and Pasami Saulo to the bench.
Warriors: The Warriors are 1-17 with no game day changes. Ali Leiataua will make his NRL debut in the centres replacing Rocco Berry (head knock) in the only change to the side that downed the Dolphins. Leiataua has scored nine tries in 13 games in NSW Cup this season. Freddy Lussick was initially named among the reserves but dropped out of the side on Thursday night. Taine Tuaupiki is the 18th Man.
Match: Raiders v Warriors
Round 15 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sebastian KrisFullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Albert HopoateWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod CrokerCentre for Warriors is number 3 Ali Leiataua
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew TimokoCentre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan RapanaWinger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Luke Metcalf
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal FogartyHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'iProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Zac WoolfordHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph TapineProp for Warriors is number 10 Bunty Afoa
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jackson Ford
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Corey HorsburghLock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom StarlingInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Bayley Sironen
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre GulerInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Josh Curran
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Nick CotricInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Mitchell Barnett
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Pasami SauloInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Tom Ale
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Matt FrawleyReplacement for Warriors is number 20 Taine Tuaupiki
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored doubles in three of his seven games in 2023.
- The Raiders are among the NRL's most prolific offloaders this season, averaging 9.2 per game, almost three more than the Warriors.
- This week will be the 23rd time Jarrod Croker has faced the Warriors in his 300-game career, the equal most appearances he has against another club, tied with Penrith and the Titans.
- The Raiders have won seven of their past eight games.
- The Raiders have conceded the second most tries in the NRL this season.
- Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson requires three goals for 500 NRL goals.
Match: Raiders v Warriors
Round 15 -
home Team
Raiders
7th Position
away Team
Warriors
6th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
