The Canberra Raiders have named their squad for the Round 17 NRL clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons, with the return of Simi Sasagi headlining the team changes. Sasagi, who has been out of action, slots straight into the starting side, providing a boost to the Raiders' backline.
Team Changes and Lineup
In addition to Sasagi's return, coach Ricky Stuart has made several adjustments. Elliott Whitehead shifts from the second row to lock, replacing the injured Corey Horsburgh. Whitehead's move is expected to add experience and leadership to the middle of the field. Meanwhile, Hudson Young and Matthew Timoko retain their spots in the centres, while Jordan Rapana and Albert Hopoate form the wing combination.
Key Matchups and Form
The Raiders will be looking to bounce back after a narrow loss last week, while the Dragons are coming off a convincing victory. The match at GIO Stadium on Saturday is crucial for both sides as they jostle for position on the ladder. The Dragons have named an unchanged lineup, with Ben Hunt continuing to lead the side from halfback.
According to NRL stats, the Raiders have won three of their last five encounters against the Dragons. However, the Dragons have been in strong form recently, winning four of their last six games. The battle in the forward pack will be key, with the Raiders' pack led by Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine facing off against the Dragons' big men, including Blake Lawrie and Jack de Belin.
Injury Report
The Raiders are without several key players due to injury, including Corey Horsburgh (calf), Sebastian Kris (knee), and Jamal Fogarty (bicep). The Dragons have a relatively clean bill of health, with only Tyrell Sloan (ankle) and Jayden Sullivan (hamstring) sidelined.
Game Details
The match kicks off at 3:00 PM AEST on Saturday, June 24, at GIO Stadium in Canberra. The referee will be Peter Gough. The game is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams desperate for a win to keep their finals hopes alive.
