THE LONG HARD LOOK WITH MIKE WILSON
NRL ROUND 17 PREVIEW
MONDAY
Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders
Sydney Football Stadium, 7pm
Roosters $1.95, Raiders $1.85
Roosters: Mark Khierallah, Sam Perrett, Justin Carney, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua, Braith Anasta (c), Todd Carney, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Tom Symonds, Brad Takairangi, Aidan Guerra. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Mose Masoe, Tinirau Arona, Kane Linnett.
Raiders: Nathan Massey, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, Brett White, Alan Tongue (c), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Joe Picker, Josh Papalii, Shaun Fensom. Interchange (from): Glen Buttriss, Bronson Harrison, Dane Tilse, Trevor Thurling, Josh Miller.
This match is being referred to by many as a coin flip and I’m not about to disagree. The Rooster’s form is appalling this season and they have to contest this game without Anthony Minichello and Nate Myles due to State of Origin duties. After watching the way the Roosters played last week against the Knights, I wouldn’t blame Roosters fans for wanting to turn in their yearly memberships thanks to the gutless performance they put on display.
The Raiders have only won 4 games all year and of those only one was an away game. Still to everyone’s amazement that one away win was against the Storm in Melbourne. Unfortunately the Green Machine have lost Dave Shillington for this one and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs has been promoted to the starting line up.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
(Team lists sourced from nrl.com.au)
