It's the year 2000 and Sydney is just getting ready to host one of the biggest shows on earth, the Olympic games. The place is buzzing and the newly merged Dragons are looking to go one better this season after narrowly going down to the Storm the previous season. Petrol prices were 77c per litre and John Howard was Prime Minister of this country. It seems a world away, but this year was also the last time that the Dragons beat the Raiders down in the nations capital. Recently, when the season draw was released, Raiders fans would circle this game in their calendar as one they would not miss. Nothing has changed, and recent opinions floating around would suggest that this game will be no different. There has to be something that the proud Red V players just do not like about this clash. But then again you cannot blame them. It will be played in very very cold conditions and each tackle that is made will definitely hurt. There is a long drive down there which can become even longer without a win. But the Dragons have to find something in this clash. This is their season on the line here. If they want to play finals footy, they are going to have to win this game. Looking at the run home of the top 10 teams, it will be hard for the Dragons to force their way into the Top 8. So this makes this clash more interesting. Another great chapter of Monday Night Footy lies ahead!
Canberra Raiders
Before people begin to jump to conclusions and suggest that the Raiders should win this because of recent history, they must realise that they are missing 9 regular first graders through injury and SOO selection. Last week, they had a very tough trip up to North Queensland and were punished for soft defence and critical mistakes. They also lost 5/8 and key players Josh Dugan to a leg injury. There must be a curse about the Raiders No. 6 jersey in recent years and one would not want to wear it given its history of causing those players injury. There is also news floating around that the team which is named may not be the team that takes the field so stay tuned to my twitter feed for more information. Coming in for Dugan is Sam Williams at half and Josh McCrone will move back to 5/8. Dane Tilse will start at prop for the Maroons Dave Shillington. Those are the only changes to the starting team, but as I said, pay attention to breaking news. There are two new faces to the interchange, Joe Picker is back from injury and Mark Nicholls also takes his place in the team.
St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons were boosted earlier in the week with news that their NSW prop, Trent Merrin was released to play this game. He will be out with a point to prove in this one. Named in the starting team to take Merrins spot was Jack de Belin, who came off the bench in last weeks win over the Titans. Remaining in the NSW SOO team is Ben Creagh and Beau Scott. Taking their place in the back row for the Dragons is Leeson Ah Mau and Jake Marketo. Marketo was on the bench against the Titans but with de Belin also named in the starting side, the Dragons have an extended bench including Merrin. The two new players on the bench include Josh Miller and Jeremy Latimore. Please note, this Dragons team will most certainly not be the team that takes the field, so again, stay tuned to my twitter feed. The Dragons have struggled this season to score points and that is going to be one thing that works against them in this match. A lot has been made over the apparent "change" that is occurring at the club since Wayne Bennett's departure. It is mentioned above, their season is on the line here and they must produce a dominating victory.
Recent History
Overall = Raiders 13 - Draw 1 - Dragons 6
Last 5 = Raiders 5 - Dragons 0
At Canberra Stadium = Raiders 9 - Dragons 2
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Raiders $2.40 Dragons $1.60
Centrebet = Raiders $2.47 Dragons $1.57
Sportsbet = Raiders $2.45 Dragons $1.48
Verdict
If the Dragons were facing a full strength Raiders team, then I would say take the Raiders at home. But lets be realistic about it. The Dragons do have a very poor record at the Nations Capital, but the Raiders have been very poor this season. With each game that passes by, the rumours of David Furners sacking grow louder. In saying that, Raiders officials say that they have not spoken to Ricky Stuart. An embarrassing loss here might just change their minds. The Dragons should get the job done if they are serious about their season, but they have struggled to score points this season. If they are to win, it will be a very close game!
Suggested Bet
Dragons 1-12 @ $2.75
Winning Margin = Dragons 1-6 @ $5.25 - I said that it would be a close game, so if you are backing them 1-12, why not be a little more specific and take them to win by no more than 6 points?
First Try Scorer = Matt Cooper @ $9 - Cooper has been very quiet this season and he has not got the ball with enough room to do anything. This week he comes up against the very hot/cold Blake Ferguson who looks like a superstar one week and then a dunce the next. Cooper has a lot more class then Ferguson does.
Good luck!
Scooby
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