The Canberra Raiders Holden Cup side is filled with talented youngsters who have showed impressive footy this year to retain top spot on the NYC Ladder and Bulldogs HQ have singled out the players to watch this Sunday.
JACK AHEARN:The talented full-back has been a standout this year. Whether it, be at full-back or playing like a half, he really has shone in the Holden Cup this year.
Named as the full-back of the year for the 2013 Holden Cup side which he deserved and most probably just got in ahead of Pat Templeman.
He has had a hand in a number of Raiders tries this year and you will often see him playing in the front line and has, an amazing ability and awareness to take advantage of the opposition defence.
A talent and a player the Dogs will need to be effective on.
SEASON STATS:
- Averages 9 runs(81m) per game
- 13 line breaks, 13 tries
- 27 line break assists (2nd in the Holden Cup)
- 21 try assists (4th in the Holden Cup)
- Has diffused 90.2% of kicks this year
MITCH CORNISH:The skipper of the Raiders Holden Cup side really has stamped his authority as one of the most exciting halves in the NYC competition.
Represented the NSW Under20s side earlier in the year and was a standout! Very level headed and a very relaxed player who directs and pushes his team around the park very well.
Has played a number of NSW cup games towards the back end of the year and was supposed to debut last week for their NRL side, but was unable to, due to salary cap restrictions.
A player with plenty of experience and one the Dogs will need to keep a close eye on.
SEASON STATS: (13 Games)
- Averages 8 kicks (275m) per game
- 33 tackle breaks, 12 try assist, 11 line break assists
TEVITA PANGAI:The Raiders back-rower is a handful and if allowed to run will certainly cause plenty of damage to the Dogs defence on the weekend.
Very powerful and strong and along with the Patrick Mago, a lot of the quality attack of the Raiders comes of the back of these two men, through their runs and quick play the balls.
He is a player the Dogs will need to contain through their defence.
SEASON STATS: (12 Games)
- Averages 13 runs(124m), 4 tries and 58% of his runs he will find his elbows and knees
- Averages 35.3m per game for metres after contact and has 45 tackle breaks for the year
PATRICK MAGO:In his first year in the Holden Cup, Patrick has really impressed. Like Tevita Pangai, is a handful and is a key part of the Raiders attack.
They both provide plenty of strike on the edges for the Raiders and off the back of their powerful running games, the Raiders attack flows.
Mago has a strong carry and most of the time will always find a quick play the ball. The Dogs need to be effective on him and Pangai, to restrict their impact on the match.
SEASON STATS:
- Averages 11 runs(104m) per game
- 69 tackle breaks, 6 tries
- 75.4% of his carries, he will find his elbow and knees
Source: http://www.bulldogs.com.au/news-display/Holden-Cup-Raiders-Marked-Men/84243
Topic: Bulldogs single out Raiders players to watch in qualifying final
