NRL 2024, round 2, Canberra Raiders, Wests Tigers, official team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 16 Mar 2024, 02:02 PM

The Wests Tigers will be raring to go after a Round 1 bye but face a tough test against a Raiders team buoyed by a big first-up win over the Knights.

After picking up their second straight wooden spoon, the Wests Tigers must get away to a good start to keep loyal fans hopeful that 2024 will bring some much-needed success.

Rookie coach Benji Marshall will blood a host of new recruits with Jayden Sullivan and Aidan Sezer tipped to be handed first crack in the halves and star signing Justin Olam set to don new colours for the first time in his career.

Meanwhile, after downing the Knights 28-12 in arguably the biggest upset of Round 1, Ricky Stuart's side will fancy their chances against the wooden spooners as they open the gates on GIO Stadium for 2024.

Fogarty's composure and control with the boot was a standout for his side last week and the Wests Tigers will be sure to do their homework after the vice-captain scored two tries from pinpoint kicks aimed at the goalposts in their last meeting in 2023.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Raiders v Wests Tigers

Team News

Raiders: No late changes for coach Ricky Stuart, with the return of Seb Kris from suspension seeing him come in at centre and Albert Hopoate push out to the wing, with Nick Cotric dropping to 18th man. Hooker Danny Levi will play despite hurting his quad in Round 1 in Newcastle.

Wests Tigers: The side remains 1-17 for Benji Marshall's first official game as a NRL head coach. Teenager Lachlan Galvin makes his NRL debut in the halves alongside former Dragon Jayden Sullivan with Aidan Sezer on the bench. Also making his NRL debut is Brisbane Tigers 2023 grand final hero Solomona Faataape, who fills the hole left by Justin Olam (knee).

Round 2 - Round 2 - Saturday 16 Mar

Full Time

Raiders

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Albert Hopoate

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Charlie Staines
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Starford To'a
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Solomona Faataape
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Junior Tupou
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Jayden Sullivan

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Danny Levi

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Zac Hosking

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 John Bateman
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Seyfarth

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Aidan Sezer
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Fonua Pole
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Ata Mariota

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Twal
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Pasami Saulo

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Samuela Fainu

Reserves

Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Nick Cotric

Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Asu Kepaoa

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 3/18/2024 11:14:10 PM

Stat Attack

The Raiders have won their past seven games against Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers have won only one of their past six games at GIO Stadium.
Raiders fullback Jordan Rapana has scored 15 tries in 13 games v Wests Tigers.
As a player, Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall won 11 from 12 at GIO Stadium.
The Raiders have not achieved back-to-back wins since Round 19 last year.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has the chance to become only the seventh coach to notch 250 first-grade victories.