Raiders v Cowboys - Holden Cup Sunday, 11.45am, Canberra Stadium
Still reeling from their astonishing 22-12 capitulation to South Sydney, the Raiders will be out to make amends against North Queensland on their chilly, unwelcoming home turf.
Just their third loss of the season (and the second half of their only back-to-back defeats), the loss was a dour and almost embarrassing one that saw the Green Machine commit an uncharacteristic 19 errors and 34 missed tackles.
Five-eighth Jordan Worboys was the only Raider to cross the line, with a try either side of the break. Back rower Jeremy Hawkins was sterling with 182 metres and 33 tackles.
It is almost impossible to imagine lightning striking three times in as many weeks and the Cowboys should be wary.
They are, however, full of confidence after finally earning their third win of the season in the form of a 28-12 pounding of Cronulla.
North Queensland made only eight errors in a tidy effort that saw both wingers Hayden Crowley and Zac Santo rack up 200 metres in attack. Santo also scored a try and broke seven tackles in a thrilling display.
Elsewhere Jayden Hodges shone with 31 tackles and 116 metres.
It was the Cowboys’ first win since Round 3 and, staring down the barrel of a trip to the Capital, might just be their last for a little while yet.
Tip: Raiders by 14 points.
Source: http://www.nrl.com/holden-cup-preview--round-17/tabid/10874/newsid/73270/default.aspx
Topic: Raiders V Cowboys Holden Cup Preview
