Raiders v Eels - Holden Cup Saturday, 3.15pm, Canberra Stadium
With Parramatta’s 2013 aspirations close to cremated by Penrith at the weekend and Canberra enjoying home ground advantage after a week’s rest, this capital showdown could get ugly.
The minor premiership favourites enjoyed a bye Round after sneaking away with a nail-biting 34-32 victory over North Queensland in Round 17.
A chance to equalise for the Cowboys after the siren sailed wide of the posts, handing Canberra their 12th win of the season.
Had back-rower Tevita Pangai not been on the field, it could well have been a sizeable loss. The talented forward scored two tries, set one up, ran for 147 metres, made two line-breaks, busted six tackles and made 16 himself in a stellar performance.
Centre Jeremy Hawkins was the pick of the backline with a try, 113 metres, 10 tackles, three tackle-breaks and two line-breaks.
Parramatta’s season, meanwhile, came crashing to an end after a 44-10 loss to rivals Penrith. The damage was done by halftime, when the Panthers entered the sheds up 22-0.
Eels prop Pauli Pauli gave everything he had in amassing 154 metres, 16 tackles and a tackle-break.
Given the circumstances of the respective sides, it’s difficult imagining a margin of less than 20.
Tip: Raiders by 24 points.
Source: http://www.nrl.com/holden-cup-preview--round-19/tabid/10874/newsid/73528/default.aspx
Topic: Holden Cup Preview: Raiders V Eels
