Raiders v Warriors preview - 2017 Round 7

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Two of the most potent attacking units in the NRL battle on Super Saturday!

This might not be the match of the round this weekend, but it is a game that has plenty of NRL fans excited for what could be a high scoring encounter. Both sides have the ability to score points at will as well as huge forward packs who can trample anything in front of them that could leave former WWF commentator Jim Ross saying "Bah God! Look at the carnage!"

This promises to be a cracking contest with Canberra starting to find some form after belting the Gold Coast Titans last week and the Warriors bouncing back to form with back to back wins. The two competition points will be vital as both clubs look to continue their solid starts to the season and could even feature in the game of the year talk when the 80 minutes are done and dusted on Saturday evening.

Last meeting: Round 20 2016 - Raiders 26 Warriors 22

Canberra won a thriller in golden point last year after a try to Jarrad Croker. The Raiders have won the last two but did lose the previous five before that. However the Warriors have a pathetic record at GIO Stadium with just three wins in 14 games, but two of those three victories have come in the last three matches.

Who to watch: Canberra's forward pack was on fire last week, laying a platform for its backs to showcase their skills. This will be the same this week and look for Junior Paulo to continue his solid start to the season. Paulo is one of the most powerful props around the NRL, with his powerful running style and ability to offload and create second phase play a vital attribute. He also is very good at getting over the advantage line and landing on his knees as to get a quick play the ball.

The Warriors have had a 100% success rate since Kieran Foran has started playing and will be hoping he continues to be a good luck charm for the Kiwi's. Foran has taken the pressure off Shaun Johnson in the halves, with his play-making ability and passing skills helping the Warriors overall. His combination on the edge with the warriors back rowers is continuing to develop so look for that as they try and target some of the Raiders smaller defenders on Saturday.

The favourite: A good last up win and a home match has the Raiders firmed as warm favourites in this match.

My tip: You have to be a brave man to tip against the Raiders at home, and to be honest can't see them losing in this one. They are playing with confidence and have some talented players all over the field. If they get a roll on via its forward pack they should win this one. That said, the warriors are always a tough proposition and I expect this to be a high scorer and maybe one of the games of the season. Raiders by 4.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Luke Bateman 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Iosia Soliola

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. Blake Ayshford 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kieran Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Gavet 9. Issac Luke 10. Jacob Lillyman 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Charlie Gubb 16. Ligi Sao 17. Sam Lisone

Referees: Adam Gee, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Ben Galea;