Monday, Canberra Stadium, 7pm
Referee: Gavin Badger
The people in charge of scheduling down at the NRL knew what they were doing when they picked this game for Monday night football. There is no chance of it stealing any interest away from State of Origin I, two nights later. But it is a massive game for the two teams involved. The Rabbitohs finally broke through for their first win of the season in round eight against the Cowboys and then had the bye last weekend. If they lose here, they will remain anchored to the bottom of the competition table, but if they win they will really open up the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.and the Raiders will have to start thinking about how to avoid it as much as the Rabbitohs.
After nine rounds, the Raiders are only two points outside of the top eight, but in reality they don't look much more like finalists than the Rabbitohs do. Injuries and suspension have hurt them. They have battled on and managed to get some good results despite carrying that load, but the longer the season goes the tougher it looks like getting for them. That is why a game like this - at home, against the bottom-placed team - is so important to the Raiders if they want to get something reasonanble out of the season. But the Rabbitohs won't be easy. Halfback Issac Luke and lock John Sutton are in good form.
Late mail
The Rabbitohs are expected to be as per program.
RAIDERS: Bronx Goodwin, Colin Best, Adrian Purtell, Joel Monaghan, David Milne, Terry Campese, Todd Carney, Scott Logan, Alan Tongue (capt), Troy Thompson, Glen Turner, Nigel Plum, Joe Picker. Interchange: Josh Miller, Glen Buttriss, Trevor Thurling, Cy Lasscock, Neville Costigan. (one to be omitted)
RABBITOHS: Nathan Merritt, Fetuli Talanoa, Nigel Vagana, Beau Champion, Shannon Hegarty, Dean Widders, Issac Luke, Manase Manuokafoa, George Ndaira, Roy Asotasi (capt), David Kidwell, David Faalogo, John Sutton. Interchange: Beau Falloon, Shannan McPherson, Luke Stuart, Eddy Pettybourne.
