Raiders struggle with losses, Knights victorious. Major changes made to Raiders lineup for improvement.
The Raiders are coming off a 16-6 loss to the Knights, their 4th loss in 5 matches. Tom Starling was a wall in defence with 52 tackles, while Kaeo Weekes had a mixed bag - scoring a try but also making three errors. Adam Cook was strong as well, but the team lacked performances from stars Xavier Savage, Jordan Rapana and Matthew Timoko.
By contrast the Knights took a much needed 34-26 win against the Eels, snapping a three game losing streak between their first two byes. Bradman Best was at his dominant… best… with two tries, two try assists, 8 tackle breaks and an absurd 357 running metres. Greg Marzhew recorded a double, Jackson Hastings picked up two line break assists and Dane Gagai staked his claim for a Maroons recall with 8 tackle breaks of his own.
Ricky Stuart has opted for major changes to the Raiders side in a bid to revive their season, notably Kaeo Weekes making his move to fullback permanent with Jordan Rapana sliding back to the wing and Adam Cook replacing him at halfback. Simi Sasagi joins the interchange in place of Jordan Martin, who has entered concussion protocols after failing a HIA on debut.