Wests have named a strong side for the visit of the Raiders with only Liam Futon (concussion), James Gavet (hamstring), Cory Paterson (finger) and Tim Moltzen (knee) unavailable for selection, whilst Dene Halatau was not named either, most likely due to the effects of his concussion suffered versus Souths.
Much of the talk surrounding the weekend clash with the Raiders will most likely settle on Tigers fullback James Tedesco who only a few weeks back reneged on a deal to join the Raiders from next season. Tedesco's decision to opt against joining the green machine will likely add a bit of extra feeling to this clash, even if the Raiders deny it to be the case.
What should be an even bigger focus though should be the form of the Raiders who appear to have gone backwards this season under "Super coach" Ricky Stuart. They showed rare glimpses of improvement last Friday night in a loss to the Bulldogs and this weekend will have to contend with the scheming of Tigers trio Tedesco, Luke Brooks and Robbie Farah.
With Farah back in the side (along with Aaron Woods) after Origin, the focus of the Raiders likely lessens on Brooks and Tedesco who now play the role of supporting cast. Blake Austin's role off the bench changes too meaning the Tigers go into the game with a raft of attacking options that also include Curtis Sironen who is named for his second start of the season.
In short, those attacking options will most likely determine the difference between the two sides. If Wests attack well, they likely win. There'll likely be some debate over which side of the field centres Chris Lawrence Tim Simona play on too. Some fans believing a switch of sides for the duo may result in a more streamlined attacking structure. Simona currently resides on the opposite side of field to halfback Brooks and there is a feeling that he would do better paired up on the same side, a side Simona has had success with in the past.
The Tigers will also need to match the output of the Raiders forward pack which has plenty of size and ability to offload. Offloads are a real threat, particularly with names like Anthony Milford lurking around them. So win the forward battle and the Tigers likely make life easier for themselves in attack and on the scoreboard. Out wide, Raiders centres Jack Wighton and Jarrod Croker are to be watched with the duo two of their better performers this season. The battle against Wests' Lawrence and Simona should be fast and fleet footed..
All the action this weekend kicks off at 1.15pm with the Holden Cup, NSW Cup follows at 3.10pm with the NRL actions kicking off at 5.30pm. All at Campbelltown Stadium. Alternately you can catch all the action on Fox Sports 1 from 1pm,
WESTS TIGERS TEAM VERSUS CANBERRA RAIDERS
1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards 6. Braith Anasta 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Bodene Thompson 13. Adam Blair
Interchange: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Martin Taupau 16. Blake Austin 17. Ava Seumanufagai
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