NRL Preview Round 10: Raiders v Sharks

Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks
Sunday, May 13, 4:10pm (AEST)
GIO Stadium, Canberra

The Raiders have found some form, winning four of their last five matches and will be looking for another scalp when the Sharks come to Canberra. The Sharks are on a three-match winning streak and have named skipper Paul Gallen to make his return from a knee injury.

FormCanberra are 11th on the ladder with a 4-5 record. The Raiders have won four of their last five and have kept opponents to 18 or fewer in four of their last five. Canberra rank fourth in scoring but 10th in defence. Cronulla have put together three straight wins and have moved into eighth position on the ladder. Each of those wins has been by four points or fewer. The Sharks have scored more than 20 just twice this year. Cronulla rank 14th in scoring while they rate eighth in defence. 

Key MatchupJosh Papalii v Paul Gallen: These blokes hate each other and have had some run ins over the years. Get the popcorn ready! Papalii has been strong since his stint in NSW Cup, while Gallen plays his first match back from a knee injury and could be a little rusty, but that won’t stop him from going a million miles an hour.

Stats That Matter– Canberra are 4-5 ATS with a 5-4 over record while Cronulla are 3-6 ATS with 5-4 under number.
– The Sharks have won 4 of the last 6 against the Raiders.
– Six of the last seven games between the teams have topped 41 points.
– Canberra are 16-21 ATS with a 21-16 over record in home games over the last four years as a favourite.
– As a home favourite in day games, the Raiders are 6-11 ATS with an 11-6 over record.
– The Raiders are 11-17 ATS with a 17-11 over record at home after conceding 18 or more.
– The over is 19-9 when Canberra are favoured by more than a try at home.
– Cronulla are 16-8 ATS as an underdog away from Shark Park with a 14-10 under record.
– The Sharks are 13-3 ATS with a 9-7 over in day games away from Shark Park.
– The Sharks are 12-7 ATS with an 11-8 over record on the road after conceding 20 or more.

Final ThoughtsThe Wolf is really looking forward to this one and is expecting a very physical battle up front. The Sharks have had the wood over the Green Machine in recent clashes, but The Wolf is expecting the Raiders to lift at home and win in a tight one.

How It’s Shaping UpCanberra by 2

Recommended BetsBest: Canberra 1-12 ($3)
Value: Pump It Up Price Special: Both teams score 20+ & Canberra win ($5.75)
First Tryscorer: Elliot Whitehead ($21)