Saturday, SFS, 5.30pm
Referee: Jason Robinson
It will be interesting to see which version of the Roosters turns up, after they have had two weeks to solve their problems. The Roosters were the form team of the competition over the first five rounds, but then inexplicably folded late in the game against the Knights, when they conceded four tries in 12 minutes. That loss was followed by a very flat performance in the Anzac Day game against St George Illawarra, when they fell behind 12-0 after six minutes and never recovered. The issues with the Roosters looked more mental than mechanical in those games. They didn't show nearly enough urgency. Presumably, they have spent a lot of time at training on either side of last weekend's bye trying to restore the intensity.
The Raiders will be in trouble if the Roosters hit form again, but if the Roosters are still off their game then the Raiders are certainly good enough to take advantage. One thing the Raiders never do is give up. Give them a sniff, let them hang around in a game, and they can snatch it. Great match-up of tremendous young halfbacks here Mitchell Pearce (Roosters) and Todd Carney (Raiders).
Late mail
Roosters coach Brad Fittler said presuming his five Test players were not hurt, his side would be "1-17" against Canberra at the SFS tomorrow night. "If the Test players are all here, it'll be the same side," Fittler said. Canberra are also expected to be as named.
ROOSTERS: Sam Perrett, Amos Roberts, Sia Soliola, Mitchell Aubusson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Mark O'Meley, Riley Brown, Lopini Paea, Nate Myles, Setaimata Sa, Craig Fitzgibbon (capt). Interchange: Willie Mason, Frank Paul-Nuuausala, Anthony Tupou, James Aubusson, Mickey Paea, Brent Grose. (two to be omitted)
RAIDERS: Bronx Goodwin, Colin Best, Adrian Purtell, Joel Monaghan, Brett Kelly, Terry Campese, Todd Carney, Scott Logan, Lincoln Withers, Troy Thompson, Neville Costigan, Nigel Plum, Alan Tongue (capt). Interchange: Marshall Chalk, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Joe Picker, Dane Tilse, Josh Miller, Trevor Thurling (two to be omitted).
