Raiders v Broncos preview

Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos
GIO Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

Can the Broncos make it two wins in a week against the Raiders?

Fighting back from 26-0 only to go down 41-34 last week, the Raiders will be looking to make amends against the Origin-affected Broncos. Having spent the past two matches on the sideline with a lung injury, Sam Williams returns at halfback, while Jack Wighton comes back into the side after being a late scratching against the Bulldogs. Kyle O'Donnell will play his first game of the season in place of Shannon Boyd on the bench. So far this season the Raiders have managed just one win at home, however Canberra have defeated Brisbane in two of the past three encounters at GIO Stadium.

Trailing by twelve with only minutes left in the first half, the Broncos produced 25-unanswered points to run out 31-18 victors in Newcastle on Monday night. With six players named to back up from Origin on Wednesday, coach Wayne Bennett has named an extended bench to combat any potential withdrawals. Having been at the centre of a tug-of-war between the two clubs last season, former Raider Anthony Milford will make his return to Canberra after a strong showing against the Knights last round.

Last Meeting: Round 13, 2014 - Canberra Raiders 4 Brisbane Broncos 28

Who to watch: Having been unwanted by Brisbane, former Bronco Kurt Baptiste will be out to star for the Raiders off the bench. Since earning his call up in Round 7, the Raiders have been at their attacking best as a result of the speed and creativity produced by the pocket-rocker #14. While his time on the field has been limited so far, his presence on field will play a major impact on the end result.

Playing his best game of the season last week, Jack Reed will be out to continue his strong form against the Raiders. Crossing for two tries, making three line-breaks and being a constant threat against the Knights; Reed will be out to upstage Sisa Waqa in a match up that may prove crucial in the outcome of the match.

The favourite: With so much uncertainty surrounding the Broncos final line-up, the Raiders have been backed to pull off an upset in the nations capital.

My tip: After seeing the way Brisbane dismantled the Knights with an understrength team, expect the Broncos to prove to strong regardless of their final 17. Broncos by 10.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sisa Waqa 5. Jeremy Hawkins 6. Blake Austin 7. Sam Williams 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Josh Hodgson 10. David Shillington 11. Josh Papalii 12. Iosia Soliola 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Jarrad Kennedy 16. Frank Paul Nuuausala 17. Kyle O'Donnell

1. Darius Boyd 2. Jordan Kahu 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Sam Thaiday 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Adam Blair 16. Corey Oates 17. Francis Molo 18. Daniel Vidot 19. Jo Ofanhengaue 20. David Stagg

Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, Lawrence McDonnell; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Luke Phillips;

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