Wait just there...you mean to tell me the Canberra Raiders made the semi finals? The Same Raiders side that was consistently inconsistent and were struggling to maintain their normally impressive home record? Well folks, if you are as surprised as I am about the Raiders being in the semi finals you need to get past that if and tune into Sunday footy down in the nations capital as the second Elimination Final in Week 1 kicks off. It is going to be some clash as well. Towards the end of the season, the Raiders were playing football that was yielding them victories and they managed to win their last 5 games to not only make the finals but score home field advantage. The Sharks were not so much on a slide as they were struggling to get their players back to full health and onto the field. They were losing games which they would've won with their early season form but they were good enough to get things back on track and salvage a place in the finals. What is disappointing is the fact that this game could have been playing up in Sydney as all the Sharks had to do was beat the Cowboys at Toyota Stadium in Round 26. Things didn't go to plan and the Raiders scored a victory over the Warriors in NZ and the tables were turned. But everything that has happened during the season will be forgotten and cannot effect the outcome in this game. The Raiders will be taking some confidence into this game from their strong finish to the season but the Sharks also have reason to be confident, despite a final round loss, they were very strong against the Storm in Melbourne in Round 25. There is only one game this Sunday for NRL fans to get their fix but if definitely going to be a great game of football. The loser of this game has their season end at the final whistle whilst the winner goes onto Week 2 to face the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who may look beatable after their loss to the Storm. This is sure to promote desperate and exciting football so ensure that you are in front of a TV at 4pm for when this game kicks off. Raise interest even more and maybe punters can jag a win or two from this game.
Canberra Raiders
The Raiders went into the game against the Warriors already knowing what was required of them as the Tigers were beaten by the Storm on Saturday night and it meant that the Raiders were going to be in the finals regardless, just unsure of where their fixture would be the next week. As a result, coach David Furner was happy to rest a few players that were suffering from injuries in order to freshen them up for this week. It did mean that the Raiders were ambushed early by the Warriors but they kept them scoreless in the second have and ran riot for their win. So this week the Raiders are back to full strength and Josh Dugan returns at fullback and Sam Williams in back in the number 7 jersey. The Raiders have named an extended bench of 7 which now includes Jarrad Kennedy, Travis Waddell and Dimitri Pelo. Those players are expected to drop out of the side but Furner could very well spring a surprise or two, especially which the use of utility Waddell. The return of Williams at half will also release the pressure off 5/8 Josh McCrone who has lifted to another level this season. He is getting the side around the park vey well and is taking the ball to the line and putting the defence in two minds. Of course, all of this doesn't happen unless the Raiders forwards have some momentum and take a stand against a very strong and dominating Sharks pack. The Raiders have the size on their side but a lot of questions can be asked of their bench if they come on the field and do not maintain the same intensity. They need to be consistent and ensure the exciting outside backs that the Raiders have are used at every possible chance. That word "consistent" will make Raiders fans uneasy but they only have to do it this week for 80 minutes and then they can worry about next week.
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks were rocked a little bit in the loss to the Cowboys but all momentum was not gone from their performance. There were actually a few things in that game that Sharks fans can be excited about. The performance of Todd Carney in that game was impressive and he single handedly kept the Sharks in the contest for majority of the match. They were also very well supported by some of their forwards as well. But the hype surrounding this game will certainly have some of the focus shifted towards Carney and his returning to his hometown where he was booted out of and told never to return based on his alcohol problems and chaos that he caused. The Raiders fans will be hostile in this game to say the least. With the person and player that Carney has developed into, I would expect him to relish this and rise above it. The Sharks were also in the headlines early in the week with a lot of interest around Ben Pomeroy and the late shot he put on Thurston in the Cowboys game. He was found guilty of dangerous contact and ruled out of the next two matches. His place is taken by Ricky Leutele, the player who has been filling his role whilst he was out of the side through injury and suspension in pervious weeks. Wade Graham has also been named on an extended bench along with Sam Tagataese and Tyson Frizell. Expect Sharks coach to play around with the final make up of his final lineup so stay tuned to my twitter feed for a final side. The inclusion of Graham from injury will have a positive effect on the side as he is growing into a fantastic player and will definitely add another dimension to the Sharks back row. A lot of pressure is also taken off Paul Gallen with Graham in the side but either way, expect a monster effort from their inspirational captain, a captain who can consider himself robbed of 2012 "Captain of the Year".
Recent History
Overall = Raiders 27 - Sharks 31
Last 5 games = Raiders 3 - Sharks 2
At Canberra Stadium = Raiders 13 - Sharks 8
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Raiders $1.65 Sharks $2.30
Centrebet = Raiders $1.65 Sharks $2.30
Sportsbet = Raiders $1.65 Sharks $2.30
Betfair = Raiders $1.69 Sharks $2.44
Sportingbet = Raiders $1.65 Sharks $2.30
Verdict
Everything in this game is suggesting the Raiders. They have had a great finish to the season, will be high on confidence and will be playing in front of a pack home stadium. Despite all of this though, I am going to take the Sharks. The Raiders still have a few question marks hanging over their play and can easily make mistakes in their own half of the field that can help the Sharks. They will definitely not allow the Sharks to walk over them through the game. It will be a typical "finals game" with a close contest and high pressure football. But with all of the value that is surround the Sharks, it is very hard to go past them.
Suggest Bet
Sharks @ $2.44 (with Betfair)
Line up your double = Sharks +4.5/Under 41.5 @ $3.10 - This double offers plenty of value, leads to a Sharks win and a low scoring game. What more could a punter want from this bet?
A close call = Sharks 1-12 @ $3.25 - If the Sharks do win this game, it would be very surprising to see them win by 13+ ($6.00) and there is a lot of value with them winning this game by a smaller margin.
Good luck!
Scooby
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