NYC Round 5 Preview: Raiders V Roosters - Holden Cup

[Archie]

Raiders v Roosters
Sunday 4.15pm, Canberra Stadium

The Roosters will be hoping to avoid a serving of Capital punishment in this juicy, tantalising match of the round.

It's 4th v 5th and for good reason, with both sides demonstrating stunning football on their way to three victories from four outings.

The Raiders' fullback Anthony Milford was close to the best player of Round 4, scoring two tries, racking up 145 metres and nine tackle breaks in their 30-26 triumph over Newcastle. He has been rewarded with jersey No.18 in first grade this week but is still likely to turn out for the -20s.

Sydney, meanwhile, called on power up front in snatching a thrilling 22-20 win against Parramatta.

Second rower Rhyse Martin (112 metres, 23 tackles, four tackle-breaks and an important late try) was the pick of the bunch. Partner Jack Noble (30 tackles) was also far from shoddy.

Across the board the Roosters deserve applause for holding nerve when everything suggested they shouldn't.

How mouth-watering an encounter to ponder: the Raiders' potent attacking backline attempting to run ragged one of the most in-form forward packs in the competition.

The trip to Canberra is one of the most fabled and notoriously difficult in Australian rugby league. One can't help but be swayed that the home crowd might narrowly claim their latest victim this Sunday.

Tip: Raiders by two points.

Source: http://www.nrl.com/holden-cup-preview-round-5/tabid/10874/newsid/71538/default.aspx