NRL Round 22 Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos Preview

What's that?! Another game away from Friday for the Broncos?! No wonder they were off guard against the Eels, they're not accustomed to playing on any other day. But throw that thought aside because the Broncos pride was battered and beaten last week as they went down to the Eels. They will definitely want to erase that memory as quick as possible and the best way to do it will be with a win over the Raiders. Admittedly the Broncos had a lot of players missing through injuries, but they still had the class of player that could've gotten them through it. It was a shame that they didn't produce against a lesser opponent but perhaps there is a positive to take away from the loss. Maybe it was a wake up call that they needed in their run home to the finals to ensure that their minds remain on the job at hand. With the competition so close at the present stage, they can ill-afford to drop another game in the run home. Especially against a team like the Raiders. A team like the Raiders however, could very well spring an upset onto them if they're not careful. Their season ended with an embarrassing loss to the Knights at home and with their season going like a yo-yo, you can never be sure which team will show up for them. There has been no talk of a change of coach so perhaps the players are just hanging out for the end of the season. It has been a disappointing season for them with a host of injuries affecting their performances, they have underachieved. With 5 games remaining, they can only salvage pride from their final performances. All they can do is ruin the hopes of teams above them. The Broncos will want to make sure that this is not the case, and with very cold conditions expected down in the nations capital,  anything can happen in this game.

Canberra Raiders

The Raiders have named Josh Dugan, despite him being under an injury cloud in this game. It would be a shame if he played and he wasn't ready as their season is over and nothing positive can be achieved. The Raiders have also lost Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and his spot in the front row is taken by Dane Tilse. Apart from that, the Raiders have named an unchanged lineup for this clash. It is amazing to see that happen to a team that is extremely disappointing. Their season was on the line last week and they just couldn't deliver. Maybe the reasoning behind Furner's persistance with the same lineup is to build consistency for 2013. If that is the case, he should wield the axe if the player cannot continue to perform at the desired level. 

Brisbane Broncos

There were a host of late changes for the Broncos last week that came on the day before their clash. Corey Parker was ruled out late and as a result is out of this clash. Josh McGuire was the player who replaced Parker before kickoff and will do the same again here. Aaron Whitchurch has lost his spot on the wing (moved to the bench) as Gerard Beale shifts to the wing as Ben Te'o is moved into the centres. But the same squad of 17 has been retained. There is no extended bench named so perhaps Anthony Griffin has put his players on notice. He came out and slammed their lacklustre performance and said that they were wel below their best. It was clearly a lack of application and the Eels made the most of it. As stated above, they will want to erase that memory as quick as possible. It isn't a "sure thing" by any stretch. They will have to work for this one. Their strength is in their forwards and they must set a platform early for their halves to work off. A platform that was non-existent on MNF.

Recent History

Overall = Raiders 17 - Draw 1 - Broncos 24

Last 5 games = Raiders 2 - Broncos 3

At Canberra Stadium = Raiders 10 - Broncos 8

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Raiders $2.20 Broncos $1.70

Centrebet = Raiders $2.20 Broncos $1.70

Sportsbet = Raiders $2.25 Broncos $1.67

Betfair = Raiders $2.26 Broncos $1.74

Verdict

You can never be sure what Raiders team will show up in this game and I doubt there would be any punters out there that could back them with confidence. The Broncos need to  get their season back on track after a very embarrassing loss to the Eels. They're still not back to full strength but Anthony Griffin has sent his squad a very powerful message. They lacked the right attitude against the Eels and apparently they have been put on notice. If they can get out to an early lead, the Raiders will probably switch off and they could coast to a large victory.

Suggested Bet
Brisbane -2.5 @ $1.90


Get out and coast home = Broncos 13+ @ $3.75 - I was very surprised to see the prices offered on the Broncos. Is there something that the punters don't know about this clash? Regardless, the Raiders are woeful and hard to back. As stated above, the Broncos could make the Raiders switch off.


Tri bet = Brisbane Over 6.5 points @ $2.50 - This is just another valued bet where money can be won. The reasons are all mentioned above.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips