NSWRL junior reps: Raiders face unbeaten Eels in round five SG Ball shootout

The Raiders are flying at the top of the SG Ball table, but they could meet their match in a round five blockbuster with the unbeaten Eels. See what Canberra coach Peter Marrapodi has to say.

Nearing the halfway point of the junior reps season, Canberra are the side to beat in Harold Matthews and SG Ball competitions.

With both teams unbeaten following a hectic opening three rounds on the road, the trailblazing Raiders returned home last week, furthering their title credentials with impressive wins over fellow frontrunners the Wests Magpies.

While delighted with the results, Canberra SG Ball coach Peter Marrapodi says there’s still plenty of improvement in his young squad ahead of Saturday’s round five blockbuster against the undefeated Eels.

“Last week we gave Wests too many opportunities and were probably lucky they didn’t bring their best game,” said Marrapodi.

“For these boys to reach the next level like Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup, they need to be able to put a complete game together.

According to the coach, if there’s one thing that sets Canberra apart from the majority of the pack, it’s desire.

Canberra SG Ball recruit Chevy Stewart in action for NSW CHS. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“At one point Wests took an intercept, and we counted nine boys giving chase,” Marrapodi explained.

“That’s the reason why we haven’t leaked many points, there’s just a huge amount of effort coming from the boys.”

In a team flush with attacking weapons like gifted halfback Keahn Skipps and highly rated fullback Chevy Stewart, Marrapodi noted two unsung front-rowers in the side’s rapidly rising profile.

“We’ve have had a few players out in recent weeks and the guys on the bench have really stepped up, especially the props, Tahrell Feaveai and Elvis Nauer-Wood,” he said.

“We know what to expect from the other boys, but those two have really smashed it out of the ballpark with strong ball carries to put us on the front foot.”

Promising Raiders prop Tahrell Feaveai back in his days for Wavell SHS in 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

In a matchup of the two best attacking teams, Canberra won’t have it all their own way against a potent Eels combination.

Having put a combined 80-points past the Steelers and Bears in the past fortnight, Parra’s strike power includes last week’s hat-trick hero and fullback Te Hurinui Twidle. While in captain Charlie Guymer, the Junior Blue brings a calming influence.

In a full day of junior reps at Belconnen, all three Parramatta teams head south with the Tarsha Gale Cup kicking off the action at 11:00am. In the Matt’s it’s one versus sixth, but on a congested ladder, an Eels victory would see them draw level with Canberra on four wins.