Blocker: Back row battle shapes as key in Bulldogs-Raiders clash

Thursday night’s clash between Canberra and Canterbury is set to be decided on the edge with a heavyweight back-row showdown looming as the defining battleground.

Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Steve 'Blocker' Roach highlighted both the tactical and psychological stakes for the Raiders, who he feels are slightly off last year’s pace.

“I think the Raiders are a little bit below par, I think, from what they did last year," he said.

"I think they'll bounce back. I know a lot of people know how great the Bulldogs are defensively and all that sort of stuff, but I just get the feeling desperation at home by the Canberra Raiders this time. It has to be there.

"I know it's only round three, but they need to get going, and they need to get going quick. And they have to make a statement on there.”

The edge battle, Roach says, shapes as a key battle, singling out the key matchup between Canberra’s Hudson Young and Canterbury’s Jacob Preston as one to watch.

“Preston up against Hudson Young, I’m really looking forward to that clash," he continued.

With both sides boasting elite edge forwards, co-host Laurie Daley agreed their influence could dominate scoring (and betting) opportunities.

“I tell you the other one I wouldn’t go away from is all four back rowers," Daley said.

“I think Noah Martin’s been very impressive in games for the Raiders. He’s a likely try scorer as well.”

Defensive work on the edges will be equally crucial. Last year, the Bulldogs exploited Canberra out wide, and this season, the Raiders need to close those gaps.

“And that’s where they got the Raiders last year on the edge. So the edges need to be strong for Canberra.”