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Stage set for NRL's big improvers
May 13, 2005
Among the four teams that share the competition lead, one of these two teams will get a jump ahead on the NRL ladder with a win this weekend. And with the representative season around the corner, both teams have a good chance to establish a secure position near the top of the table over the next few weeks.
Both teams have surprised punters with their early-season form, but have proved in recent weeks that neither are flashes in the pan.
The Raiders showed great character to fight back from an 18-point deficit to beat the Panthers last weekend. Canberras defence has been a highlight in the past fortnight, keeping the Knights and the Panthers scoreless in the second half.
The Sharks had a tough assignment against the Warriors in Perth last weekend and, despite not playing well, showed the traits of a good side to comeback and win. Kimmorley is the key. The Sharks have suffered only one heavy defeat this season, against Manly, when Kimmorley was out suspended.
STATS BOX:
Head to Head
Overall: Raiders 22, Sharks 22
At Canberra Stadium: Raiders 11, Sharks 2
Last time they met: Raiders won 26-16 at Canberra Stadium
Recent Form
Raiders: (14pts, 4th)
Sharks: (14pts, 2nd)
Last Five: Raiders: WLLWW
Sharks: WWBLW
Last Week: Raiders beat Panthers 26-18 at Penrith Stadium
Sharks beat Warriors 28-24 at Perth
MATCH-UPS:
Lincoln Withers Brett Kimmorley
The halves battle could decide the result - Withers and Jason Smith versus Kimmorley and Adam Dykes. The Raiders will be wary of Kimmorleys kicking and passing game, while Withers is at his threatening best when he runs the ball. Withers is among the Raiders leaders for line-breaks this season.
Marshall Chalk David Peachey
Chalk had a great game against the Panthers last weekend, staking his claim for a spot somewhere in the side when Clinton Schifcofske does return from a rib injury. Chalk brings the ball back with power. Its in contrast with Peacheys loping running style. Peachey can be brilliant but inconsistent, so the Raiders will no doubt test him early.
Troy Thompson Jason Stevens
Thompson continues to be one of the Raiders massive improvers this season, stepping up to consolidate his starting position in the front row. His work-rate has been impressive. Stevens has copped a lot of criticism lately, labeled a grub for his infamous wedgies. Still, he has the power to get the Sharks pack on a roll.
INSIDE INFORMATION with Jason Smith
Theyve got three good front rowers [Jason Stevens, Danny Nutley and Hutch Maiava] and they get a good roll on for Brett Kimmorley. So if our blokes do the job up the middle, it takes a bit away from Kimmorleys game. Kimmorley plays with a flat style and I think his teammates at the Sharks have adjusted to it, making them one of the most consistent teams in the competition.
WORTH NOTING:
CANBERRA RAIDERS v CRONULLA SHARKS
Canberra Stadium, Sunday, May 15, at 3pm
Referee: Tim Mander
WHATS AT STAKE: Canberra Stadium, Sunday, May 15, at 3pm
Referee: Tim Mander
Among the four teams that share the competition lead, one of these two teams will get a jump ahead on the NRL ladder with a win this weekend. And with the representative season around the corner, both teams have a good chance to establish a secure position near the top of the table over the next few weeks.
Both teams have surprised punters with their early-season form, but have proved in recent weeks that neither are flashes in the pan.
The Raiders showed great character to fight back from an 18-point deficit to beat the Panthers last weekend. Canberras defence has been a highlight in the past fortnight, keeping the Knights and the Panthers scoreless in the second half.
The Sharks had a tough assignment against the Warriors in Perth last weekend and, despite not playing well, showed the traits of a good side to comeback and win. Kimmorley is the key. The Sharks have suffered only one heavy defeat this season, against Manly, when Kimmorley was out suspended.
STATS BOX:
Head to Head
Overall: Raiders 22, Sharks 22
At Canberra Stadium: Raiders 11, Sharks 2
Last time they met: Raiders won 26-16 at Canberra Stadium
Recent Form
Raiders: (14pts, 4th)
Sharks: (14pts, 2nd)
Last Five: Raiders: WLLWW
Sharks: WWBLW
Last Week: Raiders beat Panthers 26-18 at Penrith Stadium
Sharks beat Warriors 28-24 at Perth
MATCH-UPS:
Lincoln Withers Brett Kimmorley
The halves battle could decide the result - Withers and Jason Smith versus Kimmorley and Adam Dykes. The Raiders will be wary of Kimmorleys kicking and passing game, while Withers is at his threatening best when he runs the ball. Withers is among the Raiders leaders for line-breaks this season.
Marshall Chalk David Peachey
Chalk had a great game against the Panthers last weekend, staking his claim for a spot somewhere in the side when Clinton Schifcofske does return from a rib injury. Chalk brings the ball back with power. Its in contrast with Peacheys loping running style. Peachey can be brilliant but inconsistent, so the Raiders will no doubt test him early.
Troy Thompson Jason Stevens
Thompson continues to be one of the Raiders massive improvers this season, stepping up to consolidate his starting position in the front row. His work-rate has been impressive. Stevens has copped a lot of criticism lately, labeled a grub for his infamous wedgies. Still, he has the power to get the Sharks pack on a roll.
INSIDE INFORMATION with Jason Smith
Theyve got three good front rowers [Jason Stevens, Danny Nutley and Hutch Maiava] and they get a good roll on for Brett Kimmorley. So if our blokes do the job up the middle, it takes a bit away from Kimmorleys game. Kimmorley plays with a flat style and I think his teammates at the Sharks have adjusted to it, making them one of the most consistent teams in the competition.
WORTH NOTING:
- These two teams are locked at 22 wins apiece over history, but the Raiders have an impressive 11-2 record over the Sharks at Canberra Stadium.
. - Both teams could tackle to a stand-still. The Raiders have kept the opposition scoreless in the second half in their last two matches. Meanwhile the Sharks have the best defensive record in the competition.
. - It is Canberras first match to be broadcast on Channel 9 this season.
. - Gates open at 11am. The Raiders play the Sharks in Jersey Flegg at 11.20am, while the Raiders play the Newtown Jets in Premier League at 1pm.
- Click here to purchase tickets online
