Roosters v Raiders Saturday 3.15pm, Allianz Stadium
Rugby league can always be counted on to toss up tasty games and fans are licking their lips ahead of this one.
Front-runners Canberra, undefeated over their past four games, travel to Allianz Stadium to tackle the second-placed Roosters, a side that have lost just once from their previous five outings.
If they can make it five from six by toppling the season-long giants, the Roosters will earn premiership favouritism.
The Roosters earned their second place on the ladder by leapfrogging Penrith following a nail-biter at the foot of the mountains. Racing out of the blocks like a hungry greyhound, the Roosters went to the break 26-8 up but lapsed slightly in their concentration to eventually hold out for a 36-30 win.
Lock John Asiata was comfortably their best player with a try, a set-up, 174 metres, 31 tackles and three tackle-breaks.
And while it was a stressful second half for the Roosters, their opponents disposed of Melbourne with little more effort than it takes to snap in half an asparagus spear.
The 46-22 win was polished, pretty and powerful with stellar performances coming from across the park.
Winger Jonathon Reuben scored twice on his way to 207 metres, utility Tahakilu Pangai scored a try and set one up from the bench, and brother Tevita was simply stunning with 170 metres, 15 tackles and six tackle busts.
Canberra have earned the right to expect a win on the road this Saturday afternoon but it will likely be their most gruelling of the season – 80 minutes of trench warfare between the two best sides in the competition. Delicious.
Tip: Raiders by four points.
Source: http://www.nrl.com/holden-cup-preview--round-22/tabid/10874/newsid/73919/default.aspx
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