Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders Prediction, Preview, Team News and More: NRL Round 16, 2024
Fresh off their Round 15 victory over the Gold Coast Titans, the Wests Tigers will look to make it two wins on the trot when they welcome the Canberra Raiders to Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Sunday evening in the NRL Round 16.
In the previous round, Benji Marshall's side produced a second-half turnaround to snap a nine-game losing streak with an eight-point victory over the Titans at Leichhardt Oval.
The victory moved the Tigers from the bottom of the table to 16th position. They will now look to consolidate on their latest result with another win. The Wests Tigers last recorded consecutive wins in Round 4 and have suffered eight straight defeats to the Raiders.
Meanwhile, Canberra will be full of confidence coming up against a team they have not lost to at Campbelltown in a decade. The Raiders have been inconsistent all season long and have failed to maintain a steady form.
Three weeks ago, they produced a resolute performance to defeat the Dolphins in extra time However, in the preceding game, Canberra lost to North Queensland despite being refreshed by a bye in Round 14.
That being said, they will look to bounce back this week, especially with their spot in the top eight hanging in the balance. Anything short of a victory could see the Raiders drop out of the playoff zone.
On paper, Canberra should easily take this one but expect the Tigers to give them a run for their money as they attempt to end another losing streak.
Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders Form Guide
Wests Tigers Form Guide (LLLLW): The Wests Tigers are 16th in the NRL ladder.
Canberra Raiders Form Guide (WWLWL): The Canberra Raiders are seventh in the NRL ladder.
Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders Team News
Wests Tigers
Injured: Alex Twal (Head knock), Jayden Sullivan (Hand), Solomon Alaimalo (concussion, Starford To'a (Hamstring), Alex Lobb (Head knock), Isaiah Papali'i (Ankle), John Bateman (Pectoral), Latu Fainu (Hamstring), Junior Tupou (Foot)
Suspended: David Klemmer
Canberra Raiders
Injured: Tom Starling (Concussion), Jamal Fogarty (Biceps), Corey Harawira-Naera (Seizure/medical), Pasami Saulo (Back), Zac Hosking (Shoulder)
Suspended: none
Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders Predicted Lineups
Wests Tigers
Backs: Jahream Bula, Charlie Staines, Aidan Sezer, Solomona Faataape, Brent Naden, Justin Olam, Lachlan Galvin
Forwards: Samuela Fainu, Fonua Pole, Apisai Koroisau, Justin Matamua, Stefano Utoikamanu, Reuben Porter
Interchange: Sione Fainu, Tallyn Da Silva, Kit Laulilii, Alex Seyfarth
Reserves: Heath Mason, Tony Sukkar, Luke Laulilii, Adam Doueihi, Jordan Miller
Canberra Raiders
Backs: Jordan Rapana, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Matthew Timoko, Sebastian Kris, Kaeo Weekes, Nick Cotric
Forwards: Elliott Whitehead, Joseph Tapine, Josh Papalii, Danny Levi, Hudson Young, Morgan Smithies
Interchange: Zac Woolford, Emre Guler, Ata Mariota, Trey Mooney
Reserves: Adam Cook, Hohepa Puru, Albert Hopoate, Adrian Trevilyan, Simi Sasagi
Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders Prediction
Prediction: Canberra to win by six points