Roosters firmly in Raiders’ sights

THEY may not speak about it openly but George Williams knows his teammates are “pretty eager to get one over them”.

The “them” is the Sydney Roosters.

The Raiders and the Roosters are preparing for a grand final rematch on Friday night with the loser denied another premiership shot.

The two foes have become bitter rivals following the Roosters’ controversial win against the Raiders in last year’s grand final.

While Englishman Williams was not part of the grand final loss he knows there is something different about the Raiders’ preparation when they take on the Roosters.

He has played them twice this year, with the sides winning a game each. The Roosters beat the Raiders 18-6 just a month ago.

“When we played them in Round 10 it was the first time the teams have played since the grand final,” Williams said.

“As much as they don’t want to dwell on it they are pretty eager to get one over them. Yeah of course (the intensity lifts heading into games against the Roosters).

“They are the back to back premiers.

“When you’re that good and with that label on your head people target you.

“Anyone who plays the Roosters are up for it. We’ve got a job on our hands but I’m looking forward to it.”

Williams is one of five players who played on Saturday who did not feature in the grand final.

George Williams and halves partner Jack Wighton starred for the Raiders in their come from behind 32-20 win against Cronulla on Saturday.

Each half scored a double and turned the game.

For Williams his big moment came when he snatched a Wade Graham pass to race 65 metres to score on the stroke of halftime.

Canberra were struggling before that but the try had them trailing by just four at the break despite having to make 78 more first half tackles.