Cowboys v RaidersSaturday, 3.15pm, 1300SMILES Stadium
Both teams enter this clash off the back of gripping close encounters, and it will be thrilling to see how a fortnight’s preparation has Saturday afternoon’s match pan out.
Two tries in the final five minutes wasn’t enough to get the Cowboys over the line against the Broncos in a nail-biting Queensland derby a fortnight ago.
Centre Javid Bowen and halfback Sam Foster crossed in the 76th and 79th minutes respectively to leave the Cowboys an agonising two points shy of an important victory.
Prop Patrick Kaufusi played out of his skin in the 36-34 defeat, making 152 metres, 23 tackles and setting up a try. Teammate Jayden Hodges was also breathtaking in the No.9 jersey, the rake amassing an incredible 58 tackles and setting up a try.
The [Cowboys] will need similar defensive efforts across the park when they host Canberra on Saturday. The Green Machine boasts the fourth-best attack in the Holden Cup (185 points), despite a dour draw against the Warriors in their most recent outing.
In that uncharacteristic performance, only three Raiders cracked triple figures in attack, utility Tahakilu Pangai the most with 109.
Lock Dennis Tomarchio (37 tackles) was gallant in the 22-all draw, as was centre Brenko Lee, who scored a hat-trick of tries.
The Raiders should do this comfortably, but will need to be at their best and recapture their attacking mojo in front of a hostile Townsville crowd or an upset is well and truly on the cards.
Tip: Raiders by 12 points.
Source: http://www.nrl.com/holden-cup-round-seven-preview/tabid/10874/newsid/71933/default.aspx
Topic: NYC Round 7 Preview: Raiders V Cowboys - Holden Cup
