Raiders Face semi-Final Hurdle with Key Player Out, sharks Boost Returns
A significant shake-up has hit the Canberra Raiders ahead of their crucial semi-final clash against the Cronulla Sharks this Saturday night. Star five-eighth Ethan Strange has been ruled out due to illness, throwing a wrench into the team’s plans.
Strange has been battling the flu throughout the week, and despite participating in Friday’s captain’s run, his condition unfortunately worsened overnight. The team doctor made the difficult decision Saturday morning, prioritizing Strange’s health and well-being.
This late change forces a reshuffle in the Raiders’ lineup. Simi Sasagi will now step into the halves alongside Jamal Fogarty, providing a fresh dynamic. Moreover, the Raiders needed to secure special approval from the NRL to add Matty Nicholson to the bench, ensuring adequate coverage.
I’ve found that these last-minute adjustments can really test a team’s resilience and depth, and it will be fascinating to see how Canberra responds.
Sharks Receive Positive injury News
On the other side of the field,the Cronulla Sharks are enjoying a more positive injury update. Tom Hazelton is poised to return to the squad after missing last week’s match against the Roosters.
Hazelton was sidelined due to cellulitis, but a strong week of training has confirmed his fitness. He’ll slot onto the Sharks’ interchange bench, adding valuable experiance and physicality to the forward pack.
Consequently, Oregon Kaufusi will be the 18th man for the Sharks, the only alteration to the lineup that delivered an remarkable 20-10 victory over the Roosters in the first week of the finals.
It’s always a boost to have players returning from injury, especially at this stage of the season. You can expect Hazelton to make an immediate impact.
Here’s a rapid rundown of the key changes:
* Canberra Raiders: Ethan Strange (out – illness), Simi Sasagi (into halves), Matty Nicholson (added to bench – NRL approval required).
* Cronulla Sharks: Tom Hazelton (returns from cellulitis – interchange bench),oregon Kaufusi (18th man).
This semi-final promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing their own challenges and strengths to the table. It’s a game you won’t want to miss!
