Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters Verdict
At home, the Raiders are backed with a +2.5 start against at Roosters side which has suffered consecutive losses. This one should be incredibly close though and there's value on add small stakes on a draw in 80 minutes.
- Canberra has won four of the last five meetings between the clubs
- Four of the last five head-to-head clashes have been decided by six points or fewer
- The Sydney Roosters have scored 12 points or less in their last 2 matches.
- Kaeo Weekes has scored in 4 of his last 5 matches.
Head to Head
Despite Sydney holding a 29-18 overall advantage since 1998, recent meetings have favoured Canberra.
The Raiders have won four of the last five clashes between the teams, including narrow victories in both meetings played last season. Canberra won 26-24 at Allianz Stadium in Round 13 last year after also upsetting the Roosters 14-12 in the final round of the regular season.
Close finishes have become a trend in this matchup. Four of the last five meetings have been decided by six points or fewer, which adds further appeal to both the Raiders with the start and a small speculative play on the draw.
Canberra Raiders Form - Solid Home Win Secured
The Raiders produced arguably their most balanced performance of the season, combining strong defence with attacking efficiency to win 26-12 against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Canberra raced to a 14-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes and never allowed the Cowboys back into the contest.
Ethan Strange was outstanding, while Sebastian Kris crossed twice and Kaeo Weekes again demonstrated why he remains one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in the competition.
The Raiders have been inconsistent this season but their profile suggests they are more competitive than their ladder position indicates. They rank strongly in kick metres and post-contact metres, two areas that often translate well in tight games.
Sydney Roosters Form - Back-to-Back Defeats
Two weeks ago the Roosters looked like genuine premiership contenders. Now they arrive in Canberra looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat.
The attack that produced 62 points against the Dragons and 38 against Brisbane has gone cold. Sydney managed just 12 points against North Queensland before scoring only four against Melbourne in difficult conditions last week.
The concern wasn't just the scoreboard. The Roosters committed 18 errors against the Storm and recorded their worst completion rate of the season. Sam Walker was unable to replicate his Origin heroics, while the absence of key outside backs was noticeable throughout the contest.