NRL

NRL Grand Final Preview: Sydney Roosters Vs Canberra Raiders

6 years ago - Sportingbase

This is the time of year that rugby league fans have been waiting for and for Raiders fans its been a 25-year wait while Roosters fans are looking to go back to back.

Sydney are a near-perfect 11-2 as the home favourite this season while Canberra are 5-1 as the away underdog. The Green Machine will take plenty of confidence into this game knowing they held the Rabbitohs to just 10-points last week, and with a 9-3 record on the road during the home/away season, there’s nothing stopping Canberra from pulling off a huge upset.

That said, the Roosters have plenty to feel good about themselves. Sydney have allowed only two tries in their last two games – an impressive feat against both the Rabbitohs and Storm in back-to-back weeks.

While a defensive struggle is predicted, the two encounters between these clubs during the home and away season – both won by the Roosters and totaling 94 points so we may get a high scoring match.

How To Watch:

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Team news:

Roosters: The return of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from his one-game suspension for tripping pushes Siosiua Taukeiaho back to the bench and Lindsay Collins to the reserves. Co-captain Jake Friend has once again been named on the reserves list with youngster Sam Verrills retaining his place in the starting side.

Raiders: Ricky Stuart has the luxury of naming the same 17 which got past Souths in the preliminary final. Hooker Josh Hodgson sat out training on Tuesday with a virus but that was just a precaution to ensure none of his team-mates picked up anything.

Betting Insights:

Canberra has covered the line in each of its last seven matches as an away underdog.
Sydney has won nine of its last 10 night matches at ANZ Stadium.
Sydney has won the first half in 19 of its last 20 matches in Sydney.
Each of Canberra’s last six matches have gone UNDER the total match points line.
James Tedesco has scored at least one try in eight of Sydney’s last nine matches in Sydney.
Latrell Mitchell has scored at least one try in four of Sydney’s last five matches against Canberra.
Daniel Tupou has been the first try-scorer in two of Sydney’s last four finals.
Josh Papalii has scored a try in three of Canberra’s last four night matches.
John Bateman has scored a try in three of Canberra’s last four matches as an away underdog.