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Dominic Brock | rugbyleaguelive.com | 24/07/08 | 0
AUDIO - Talking tips with Andrew Moore
Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans
Saturday 26th July, 5.30pm
Canberra Stadium
Referee: Tony De La Heras
HEAD TO HEAD
Played 3, Titans 2 wins, Raiders 1 win.
FORM GUIDE
Raiders: LWWLWLBLLWBLLWWLLWW
Titans: WLWWWWWLBWLLWBLLLWL
These two sides have both brought the Roosters down to earth in the last fortnight, but have since seen their fortunes take a turn for the worse.
Canberra have lost star halfback Todd Carney indefinitely after he and Bronx Goodwin were stood down by the club over a couple of all-too-familiar late-night incidents.
Carney’s loss is a particular sore point for the Raiders, for three reasons. His alleged act – urinating on another pub patron – was particularly crass, even by NRL bad-boy standards. Plus, his history of misdemeanors means he should be sacked by the club.
And sadly for the Raiders on the field, he’s their best player.
It’s a rapid fall from grace after last weekend’s brilliant routing of the Roosters. For the Titans, their fall has been less dramatic – just a defeat to the Panthers at home last weekend.
They’re still in the top eight, but only just. Three teams – including the Raiders – are all one win behind the Gold Coast and still have plenty of time to make a late run for the finals.
Pivot Mat Rogers is out for the next few weeks with a rib cartilage injury, while Nathan Friend has been named to play despite initial fears of a season-ending collarbone injury.
THE BURNING QUESTION
Can Canberra overcome Todd Carney’s latest off-field blunder to stay in finals contention?
KEY MATCH UPS
Terry Campese v Ashley Harrison
Both these pivots are now the experienced halves for their respective teams, suddenly becoming the go-to men in attack.
Campese will need to take the heat off rookie Herbert, while Harrison will need to adapt to more of a playmaking role after switching from lock to five-eighth.
David Milne v Preston Campbell
Milne was our man of the match a fortnight ago in Canberra’s win over the Dragons, and he’s been chewing up the metres from fullback for the last week weeks.
His ability to break tackles will be a much needed asset for the Raiders late in the season as they race to make the eight.
Campbell was also superb a fortnight ago, putting on a stunning display against the Roosters in a dual fullback/halfback role.
His skills with the ball and dynamic footwork will be the Gold Coast’s trump card when they enter the Raiders’ Canberra fortress.
COACHES CORNER
Raiders mentor Neil Henry is one of the best coaches in the NRL but he has his work cut out for him now.
Carney’s demise is a blow to the team mentally, but also deprives the Raiders of their playmaker and best attacking weapon.
Getting the team’s mind in the right place will be tough enough; getting them to fire on the field as they did last week will be near impossible.
Rookie half Marc Herbert steps into Carney’s boots, while Terry Campese should take on more of the playmaking workload this week.
The Titans also have a makeshift half combination, with Ashley Harrison taking Rogers’ five-eighth role. Preston Campbell is the man Canberra will have to watch, while the threat of Anthony Laffranchi on the fringes will be more important considering the lack of firepower in the halves this week.
PUNTERS GUIDE
Head-to-head: Raiders $1.33 – Titans $3.15
Canberra remain big favourites after last week’s terrific effort, but the Gold Coast are no write-offs, despite their star-studded injured list.
Home ground advantage is the biggest thing going for the Raiders this week, and a lot relies on how well debutant Herbert starts his NRL career.
With both teams missing key playmakers, consider the Unders in Overs/Unders betting, and take a look at the Titans with the 8.5 start.
CASUALTY WARD
Raiders: William Zillman – knee (season), Phil Graham – knee (season), Lincoln Withers – knee (season), Josh Miller – knee (season)
Titans: Scott Prince – broken arm (season), Luke Bailey – foot (season), Chris Walker – ankle (season), Aaron Cannings – leg (indefinite), Mark Minichiello – ankle (Rnd 22), Mat Rogers – ribs (Rnd 23), Brenton Bowen – cheekbone (indefinite)
BAD BOYS
Raiders: Todd Carney – club discipline ban (indefinite), Bronx Goodwin – club discipline ban (indefinite)
Titans: -
TEAM LISTS
Raiders: David Milne, Colin Best, Marshall Chalk, Joel Monaghan, Adrian Purtell, Terry Campese, Marc Herbert, Troy Thompson, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Dane Tilse, Glen Turner, Joe Picker, Alan Tongue (c). Interchange: Ben Jones, Trevor Thurling, Scott Logan, Neville Costigan, Glen Buttriss (one to be omitted).
Titans: Preston Campbell, Jordan Rapana, Gavin Cooper, Brett Delaney, Jordan Atkins, Ashley Harrison, Brad Davis, Michael Henderson, Nathan Friend, Michael Hodgson, Anthony Laffranchi, Daniel Conn, Josh Graham. Interchange: James Stosic, Will Matthews, Luke Swain, Luke O'Dwyer, Matthew Cross (one to be omitted).
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