NRL FINALS PICKS - WK 2 | Thebigtip

With both the Dragons and Titans earning a week off, focus now turns to the semi-finals. It will be interesting to see how the Roosters and Tigers manage to get themselves up after playing each other in a draining golden point clash less than a week earlier. Another side struggling to be fit for this weekend is Penrith, who surrendered a wonderful opportunity to earn a Preliminary final berth by losing to Canberra. At the moment, the Raiders are the team to beat and are every chance of replicating Parramatta’s fairytale run to the Grand Final just twelve months earlier.

CANBERRA RAIDERS V WESTS TIGERS

The Raiders have won nine of their past ten matches, including the last six in succession to earn themselves a home semi-final against a Tigers outfit which has done a lot of soul searching following last week’s heartbreaking 19-15 loss to the Roosters. The Tigers were the better team against Sydney, but blew a 15-2 lead late in the match to succumb to Brian Smith’s men. To add insult to injury, star players Benji Marshall and Blake Ayshford are in significant doubt to line-up against Canberra. Marshall has a knee complaint while Ayshford has been struck down with glandular fever. Even if those two players are declared fit, the Tigers will still find it immensely difficult to stop the Green Machine, who are riding a wave of momentum at the right time of the season. With the likes of Terry Campese, Josh Dugan, Tom Learoyd – Lars, Bronson Harrison and David Shillington all firing, the Raiders appear a safe bet to progress to a preliminary final against the Dragons.

Tigers key player – Robbie Farah

With or without Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah is arguably the focal point to what the Tigers produce in attack. He has 23 try assists next to his name, (the most of any hooker this season) and is a constant threat around the middle of the park. If the Tigers can win the battle upfront, Farah will control proceedings around the ruck, and will allow the likes of Marshall and Robert Lui to wreck havoc out wide. Although rightfully known for his attacking brilliance, Farah will also prove to be a very key figure in defence when it comes to stopping the Raiders go-forward. The NSW Origin representative has made 840 tackles this season, (fifth most of any player) and will play a vital role in destabilising a Canberra arsenal which is making a mockery of opposition defences at present.

Raiders key player – Terry Campese

There is little left to say about Terry Campese’s importance to the Canberra Raiders. In last week’s 24-22 victory against Penrith, Campese was instrumental as he scored a try and had one wrongfully disallowed for obstruction. His ability to break the defensive line is second to none, and will relish the opportunity to showcase his best form in front of a packed Canberra Stadium. Having become a more consistent footballer, Campese invariably makes the right decisions in attack, and will prove a constant headache for the Tigers defence. Add his ever reliable kicking game and it’s easy to understand why Campese is the linchpin to a Raiders attack which is firing from all corners. If Campese can get his chemistry with star fullback Josh Dugan up and running early, the Raiders have the capabilities to put the Tigers to the sword.

Tip - Raiders