THE Canberra Raiders are hoping home-ground advantage and the X-factor of a little known youngster will turn their NRL season fortunes around today against the Sydney Roosters.
The last time the two teams met at Canberra Stadium was towards the end of the Raiders' 2012 hot streak in round 24, with a 65th minute Reece Robinson try sealing a 24-20 win for the home side.
However a lot has changed since then.
The Raiders now find themselves at the bottom of the NRL ladder and the Roosters have kept a clean scoresheet two weeks running. The Roosters also now boast the skill set of an in-form Sonny Bill Williams.
"He's got better and better as weeks have gone on and we've identified him and (Jared Waerea-Hargreaves) as their key offloaders," Raiders captain David Shillington said.
Canberra will also have to keep an eye out on a star-studded backline that includes Shaun Kenny-Dowall, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Anthony Minichiello and Michael Jennings.
The Raiders on the other hand are without Terry Campese, still injured, Blake Ferguson out for up to eight weeks with a fractured eye socket and Josh Dugan sensationally sacked from the club.
Meanwhile, teenager Anthony Milford has been named on a five-man bench, as potential cover for winger Sandor Earl. "He's very elusive with the ball," Furner said.
There is also talk Glen Buttriss (shoulder) could be ruled out, with Matt McIlrick a chance to start the game and Milford to come onto the bench.
Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/canberra-raiders-set-to-call-on-youngster-anthony-milford/story-e6frep96-1226614216907
Topic: Raiders set to call on youngster Milford
