Canberra’s Progress and Challenges
Coach Ricky Stuart has expressed optimism about the Canberra Raiders’ recent performance, noting that the team is beginning to find its rhythm. However, he remains cautious, aware that they will need to be at their best to handle the potential threat posed by the Penrith Panthers.
The Raiders are set to host the ladder-leading Panthers on Sunday at GIO Stadium. This match presents a significant challenge for Canberra, as they aim to become the first team since Brisbane in 2019 to secure three consecutive victories against Ivan Cleary’s side. The task ahead is far from easy, given the Panthers’ strong defensive record and their formidable attacking capabilities.
Despite a slow start to their minor premiership defense, the Raiders showed signs of improvement with their 28-12 win over the Gold Coast last Saturday. Stuart believes these positive developments are a good indication of what the team can achieve.
“Word out there is that they’re coming down to ambush us, and it should be a great game,” Stuart said. “We’re in a position now that our games are starting to become a little bit more fluent with a few of the newer faces we’ve got in the team. It takes a couple of games to find that cohesion, and I think the boys that have stepped in have done a wonderful job.”
Player Availability and Team Adjustments
The Raiders will be without several key players for Sunday’s clash, including captain Josh Papali’i (calf), Noah Martin (ankle), and Zac Hosking (concussion). However, they will welcome back Hudson Young from suspension and five-eighth Ethan Strange, who missed the Titans game due to an ankle issue.
Strange made the decision to sit out the previous match, recognizing that he wasn’t fully fit. “He wasn’t that far off last week. He made the wise call himself that he was not going to be 100 per cent and that he probably let the team down if he did take the field last weekend,” Stuart explained. “He’s trained all week. He did a half a session at the start of the week, and then did a full session yesterday (Friday).”
Young’s return is also timely, as the Raiders lost Joe Roddy after scans revealed he had broken his hand during last Saturday’s game. Despite these challenges, Stuart remains hopeful, pointing out that the team has a bye during Magic Round next week and expects Hosking and Papali’i to return soon after.
Penrith’s Lineup Changes
For the Panthers, Jack Cole will replace Jack Cogger, who is serving a suspension. Additionally, prop Liam Henry has been added to the bench after recovering from a knee injury.
“He (Henry) is one of those guys who just loves every part of the game, so he’ll be a good inclusion for us,” Cleary said. “The (Raiders) are an unpredictable side. They’re very powerful, and have some really good players.”
Looking Ahead
As both teams prepare for the crucial match, the focus will be on how well the Raiders can adapt to their current challenges while maintaining the momentum they have built. With key players returning and new additions stepping up, the Raiders are determined to prove their resilience and continue their push for success.
