Palmerston Raiders looking to maintain unbeaten run against youthful Darwin Brothers outfit

THE unbeaten Palmerston Raiders will be looking to shake off injury concerns to see off their upcoming challenge from Darwin Brothers in Round 6 of the NRL NT A-grade premiership

Raiders fullback Alex Johnson will be looking to keep his side’s unbeaten run alive against Darwin Brothers. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

THE unbeaten Palmerston Raiders will be looking to shake off injury concerns to see off their upcoming challenge from Darwin Brothers in Round 6 of the NRL NT A-grade premiership.

The Raiders have been the standout side so far this year further cementing their place atop the table with a 76-6 win over South Darwin last week.

However, coach Daniel Keelan admits that recent injuries to key players does not have the side in the place they would want to be in heading into the matchup against Brothers.

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“Souths turned up and played for the full 80 last week and now our big focus since has been on freshening up heading into the back end of the season,” Keelan told the NT News.

“We have a number of injuries after in some key positions including Brad Hansen, Shane Smith and Will Smith all players that we will miss after.”

However, Raiders still boast plenty of power in their side such as Angus Warhurst, Alex Johnson and Stephan Smith who have all put in strong performances while Rhys Booth makes a return.

They will match up against a Brothers side brimming with young guns and veterans including Isaac Kurnoth, Leon Rotumah and Caleb Niki who will be looking to break Palmerston’s unbeaten run.

“We’re a bit weary of Brothers as they have a number of strong youth players coming though,” Keelan said.

“In five years time they will be unstoppable but right now they will be looking to throw the ball around a lot so we will need to be on the lookout for that.

“We will need to keep an eye on their big players while not buying into their niggle and keeping our discipline.”

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On the women’s side of the draw the undefeated Sistaz will be looking to continue their cruise through the 2020 season when they face off against Palmerston.

Strong forwards Bianca Stokes and Bianca Scrymour have been consistent standouts up front for the side that has managed to remain unbeaten so far this season.

However, Palmerston are also coming in off a massive 52-0 win over South Darwin with both Kiah Hazel and Jo De La Coeur scoring two tries.