The Raiders will be keen to bounce back and halt their losing streak when they host an equally desperate Dragons side on the hunt for their second win.

Back at home in front of their fans after losing their way after a dominant start against the Storm last week, Ricky Stuart’s men showed some glimpses of their best – but could not sustain it to lose 42-20.

In what was a snapshot of their season so far, the Dragons put in a huge fight against the Knights last week and were even able to score more tries – but still went down 20-22 after some wayward goal kicking couldn’t keep them in front.

There were some good signs from the side against the top-tier Newcastle side, but some lapses in decision-making in defence once again proved costly.

However, the visitors will be confident that with full concentration for the entire 80 minutes, they will be able to turn their fortunes around in the nation’s capital. 

Team News

Raiders: The Green Machine line up 1-19 with no late changes. Simi Sasagi returns from a calf injury and comes straight into the centres, with Seb Kris shifting to the interchange. Emerging fullback Chevy Stewart has been named on the six-man bench and could provide attacking X-factor as the Raiders look to kick-start their season. 

Dragons: Nick Tsougranis drops out of the side 90 minutes before kick-off with Jacob Halangahu and Lyhkan King-Togia rounding out the interchange. Moses Suli remains sidelined for a second-straight week after going down in the warm-up before the Round 16 clash with the Knights. That will see Tyrell Sloan remain on the wing and Mat Feagai at centre in an unchanged starting side. 

Stat Attack

The Raiders have won five of their last six games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have not won at GIO Stadium since 2015.
The Raiders have lost five from seven at GIO Stadium this season.
Dragons centre Valentine Holmes has scored seven tries in six games at GIO Stadium.
Raiders centre Matt Timoko has scored five tries in his last five games against the Dragons.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.

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