MATCH PREVIEW
Dragons v Raiders: Sweating on Lomax; James ban served
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NRL.com Timestamp Mon 14 Jun 2021, 08:01 PM
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St George Illawarra face a monumental task sustaining their top eight challenge after their meek surrender to last-placed Canterbury on the holiday Monday.
The Dragons cling to a playoff spot on percentages, sitting eighth but with the arch-rival Sharks (riding a three-game win streak), Raiders and Warriors all equal with them on 12 points.
Five-eighth Corey Norman and fullback Matt Dufty will be looking to put their best foot forward to attract the interest of rival clubs after being told they aren't in the Dragons' plans but Dufty in particular needs to lift after a disheartening outing against the Bulldogs.
Canberra, in contrast, are on a totally different trajectory after thumping the Broncos 38-16 in a display that had coach Ricky Stuart declaring Canberra were getting their mojo back.
Match: Dragons v Raiders
Round 15 - Saturday 19th June
5:30pm
Home Team
Dragons
8th Position
Away Team
Raiders
10th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Match broadcasters:
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The rundown
Team news
Dragons: Coach Anthony Griffin will be sweating on centre and goal-kicker Zac Lomax (thumb) returning as scheduled in round 15 while Poasa Faamausili and Max Feagai could also resume after being sidelined by head knocks.
The Dragons face an anxious wait after Corey Norman, Blake Lawrie and Brayden Williame were all placed on report in the second half of the loss to Canterbury for high tackles.
Josh McGuire and Tyrell Fuimaono still have a week to serve on their suspensions.
Raiders: Veteran prop Ryan James is due back from suspension but may find it difficult to reclaim a place in the 17 after the Canberra pack performed so well against Brisbane.
The lack of injuries and judiciary issues arising from the round 14 triumph means there is a very good chance coach Ricky Stuart will stick with the same squad.
Match: Dragons v Raiders
Round 15 - Saturday 19th June
5:30pm
Home Team
Dragons
Away Team
Raiders
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Last updated: 10:58 pm Monday 14th June 2021
Key match-up
Ben Hunt v Sam Williams: The Dragons veteran has had a great season but had a few moments he'd like to forget against the Bulldogs. Hunt has three tries, 10 try assists, 19 offloads and 92 run metres a game in 10 outings. Long-time understudy Williams now has an extended run in the starting side following the departure of namesake George Williams. He has just a try, try assist, offload and line-break assist in three games and averages 42 run metres so he still has some way to go in the transition from solid caretaker to impact player.
Stat attack
Raiders kickers Sam Williams and Jack Wighton will have to be at their quickest and most efficient against the Dragons who lead the NRL in charge-downs. The Red V have blocked seven kicks, three more than the second-placed Eels, while back-rower Tariq Sims (three) is also tops in the individual category.
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Kick-off times, TV times, team lists, match info and full preview for round 15 match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and Canberra Raiders
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