Dominic BrockUpdated June 5, 2026 — 7:38pm,first published 7:24pmYour say: Raiders or Roosters?By Latest Posts7.38pmNawaqanitawase’s quick return from syndesmosis surgeryBy Explosive Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is back on the wing tonight after a rapid recovery from syndesmosis tightrope surgery. Nawaqanitawase spent five weeks on the sidelines, while most players who undergo that surgery return after six to eight weeks, according to sports physiotherapist Brien Seeney.7.32pmStrange one that got away from RoostersBy Christian NicolussiThey will never admit it publicly, but in recent weeks the Sydney Roosters have begun asking whose idea it was to let Ethan Strange swap Bondi for the warm embrace of Ricky Stuart in Canberra.The rugby league world sat up and took notice of Strange when he had an absolute blinder on debut for NSW in Origin I, having been promoted to the starting team after Mitchell Moses broke down with a hamstring strain.The Roosters rarely make mistakes when it comes to recruitment and can point to Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, even James Tedesco, depending on how far you want to go back, as key acquisitions. But this one was a Strange decision – literally – that could haunt them for years to come.Strange was a Roosters junior and the starting five-eighth in the Tricolours’ SG Ball grand final loss to Penrith in 2022.Read the full story from Christian NicolussiPinned post from 7.24pmYour say: Raiders or Roosters?By 7.24pmRaiders v Roosters team listsBy Canberra Raiders1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Daine Laurie 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Jayden Brailey.Bench: 14. Owen Pattie 15. Ata Mariota 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Jed Stuart 18. Chevy Stewart 21. Vena Patuki-CaseSydney Roosters1. James Tedesco 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 23. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley.Bench: 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 19. Egan Butcher 21. Tom Rodwell7.24pmWelcomeBy Welcome to tonight’s coverage of the Friday night football clash between the Raiders and Roosters in Canberra. It’s Dominic Brock on blog duties with you tonight.The Raiders had two of the best-performed Blues in NSW’s State of Origin I victory, with Ethan Strange and Hudson Young leading the way, but the club’s recent form is scratchy with three losses from their past five games.Meanwhile the Roosters have suffered back-to-back defeats after a six-game winning streak, though they welcome back star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase following his ankle injury. He lines up on the wing in place of Cody Ramsey, who is out with illness.Kick-off is at 8pm. Follow along for all the action as it happens.1 of 1