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Raiders seek redemption against Roosters

Canberra captain Terry Campese believes there's no better way to seek redemption after last week's 64 point drubbing than toppling NRL frontrunners the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.

The Raiders were smashed all over the park by the fourth placed Storm to lose 68-4 at their Canberra Stadium fortress on Sunday.

Yet they'll have the perfect opportunity to redeem themselves against the Roosters, who thumped the Panthers 42-6 on Friday to notch up their sixth straight win and claim pole position on the ladder.

"It's better that we're playing against the top of the table," Campese said.

"The boys have to be up for the challenge and there is no better team to bounce back against than the number one team."

While it's not quite a must win game for the seventh placed Raiders, they face a tough run home that includes three other top six sides and an away trip against fellow top eight contenders the Warriors.

"We've just got to take every game as a grand final now," Campese said.

Canberra will be buoyed by the return of game-breaking centre Blake Ferguson, who has been sidelined since being charged with indecent assault in mid June.

He'll be lining up against fellow Blues teammate Michael Jennings.

"They both played Origin together so it will certainly be an exciting match up and one that I'm looking forward to. Hopefully Fergo gets on top of him," Campese said.

However coach David Furner has advised Ferguson not to overplay his hand in his comeback game.

"He's a devastating runner. But he's up against a pretty good defensive side," Furner said.

"I've asked Fergo to work within the team. If his opportunities come, he's the type of player that can take them."

With Ferguson returning to centre, winger Reece Robinson has been dropped to make room for utility back Jack Wighton.

"(Wighton) was one of our star performers in a pretty poor performance last week," Furner said.

"There wasn't too many standout performers to be honest, and I've spoken to Reece to tell him what he needs to do."

Roosters skipper Anthony Minichiello has been ruled out of the clash after hyper-extending his knee against Penrith.

Roger Tuivasa-Shek will shift to fullback with Shaun Kenny-Dowall moving to the wing and Mitch Aubusson into the centres.

AAP
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