Andrew Johns remains optimistic about the Raiders’ prospects but admits he was on the verge of predicting an upset by the Wests Tigers in their upcoming clash at Campbelltown this Friday. The match follows a challenging loss for the Tigers, marked by the return of Origin stars Jarome Luai and Hudson Young, who are expected to play despite a tight turnaround after their match in Perth.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall reported that Luai expressed eagerness to compete, while Young’s shorter stint in Perth leaves him fresh for the match. Both players will be key as they aim to turn around the Tigers’ fortunes, who have encountered a rough stretch, suffering four consecutive losses, including one against the Panthers despite a promising performance.
The Raiders are currently riding high, sitting just one win behind the Bulldogs with a solid 24 points. Johns expressed that the match would likely be closely contested, stating that while the Tigers have demonstrated moments of promise, the Raiders’ dynamic, attacking style gives them an edge. Notably, the absence of Raiders winger Savelio Tamale due to injury opens the door for Jed Stuart to make his NRL debut.
As the date approaches, the anticipation builds, and Marshall hopes the allure of potential Origin selections will motivate his players. With Johns tipping the Raiders to win, he acknowledges a strong possibility for a close game. It’s a compelling matchup where both teams will be eager to assert themselves, particularly with the added pressure of potential representative call-ups for standout performers.
Aspects such as weather considerations have also been highlighted, suggesting it will be a chilly affair in Campbelltown. Overall, the encounter promises to be an exciting exhibition of skill and determination, as both teams aim to stake their claims in a competitive season.