NRL finals week 2, 2020: Roosters v Raiders betting tips, prediction & odds

Welcome to our Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL first semi-final at the SCG on Friday, October 9.

The winners of this Roosters-Canberra match advance to the preliminary finals where they will play the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Friday, October 16.

The Roosters have won four of the past five clashes between these teams, including their epic 14-8 triumph in a controversial 2019 grand final. They have met twice this season already, with the Raiders winning the first 24-20 at the SCG in round 10, then the tricolours winning the return bout 18-6 at GIO Stadium in Canberra in round 17.

There is an intense rivalry building between these teams and we expect a fiery opening and tries to be difficult to come by.

Ricky Stuart’s Raiders are on a four-match winning streak though it should be pointed out that those wins have come against also-rans St George Illawarra and then the New Zealand Warriors, before their two wins in successive weeks against the injury ravaged Cronulla.

The Roosters were thrashed 60-8 a fortnight ago by the rampaging Rabbitohs, but showed a return to form in their 29-28 loss to the Panthers in the first week of the finals.

The teams have similar defensive records this season but the Roosters have proved a little more potent in attack on average.

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Canberra managed to get through their first final against the Sharks without any new injury problems and retain the same 17 for this Friday night clash.

Sydney Roosters, the two time defending premiers, regain workhorse hooker Jake Friend (head knock), with Freddy Lussick making way for the Roosters’ favourite son.

Meanwhile, mid-season recruit Sonny Bill Williams (neck) returns to the 17 and will start on the bench. Promising back-rower Nat Butcher makes way for SBW.

Read on for our Roosters v Raiders tips and winner prediction for their NRL clash on Friday, October 9.

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Roosters v Raiders odds

Kick-off: 7.50pm local time
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
Head to head odds: Sydney Roosters $1.48, Canberra $2.70
Line betting: Sydney Roosters (-6.5 points) $1.90, Canberra (+6.5 points) $1.90
Match total: 42.5 points: over $1.91, under $1.91

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Roosters v Raiders free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free Roosters v Raiders betting tips for Friday night’s game.

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Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders prediction 9-10-2020

We can’t help but feel the Roosters have lost their way a little over the past month after they at one stage looked unstoppable in their quest for a third straight title. Their defence has been the biggest problem but now they have Friend back and a few of the other players have a few games together under their belt, they have no excuses. We have admired the Raiders’ ability to bounce back from adversity all season. The first week of finals was extraordinary with the match totals of the four matches averaging almost 60 points! We think this will be a return to the usual intensity of finals football, with defences holding sway much more often. We see this one going down to the wire. Our Roosters v Raiders prediction: Roosters by 2 points.

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Roosters v Raiders lowdown

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