The Raiders will be looking to bounce back at home following a loss last week when they host a red-hot Cowboys who have found form in recent weeks.
Despite a promising start last week against the Dolphins where they scored the opening try of the game in the first minute of the match – they could not hold out an attacking Phins side enough, going down 30-22.
It should be another attack-heavy game this week against the Cowboys who ran in five tries against the Rabbitohs in their 30-18 win.
Both sides have had their star Origin players (Ethan Strange and Hudson Young for the Raiders and Reuben Cotter for the Cowboys) named to back up from Wednesday’s clash.
The Raiders will also be fighting hard to arrest a recent slide in home performances – especially against the Cowboys, having not claimed a win at home since 2018.
Team News
Raiders: No late changes on game day. Origin debutant Ethan Strange and back-rower Hudson Young are on track to back up from Game One with coach Ricky Stuart reporting that the pair had a light run on Saturday and pulled up well. “I can see it in the boys that they are excited to back up for their teammates,” Stuart said. Centre Seb Kris is back on deck after missing the Dolphins game with a quad injury suffered in the warm-up. Jayden Brailey has been ruled out with a concussion so Daine Laurie has been named to start at lock. Young giant Jordan Uta retains his place on the bench after making his debut last week. No changes in Saturday’s 24-hour update.
Cowboys: One late change to the line up on game day with youngster Xavier Kerris moving onto the six-player bench in place of Viliame Vailea who played in Queensland Cup for Townsville Blackhawks yesterday. Coach Todd Payten has decided to rest skipper Reuben Cotter after he played 56 minutes in Origin One for the Maroons on Wednesday night. Matt Lodge comes into the starting side at lock and Wiremu Greig has been added to the six-man bench. Winger Murray Taulagi plays his first game since Round 8 after a concussion lay-off so Robert Derby moves to the interchange.
Stat Attack
The Raiders have not defeated the Cowboys at GIO Stadium since 2018.
The Cowboys have won their last seven games against the Raiders.
The Raiders have lost six of their last seven games at GIO Stadium.
The Cowboys have won their last four away games.
Raiders second-rower Hudson Young will play his 150th NRL game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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