NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Bulldogs

Author: Rachel Moran
Timestamp: Thu 13 May 2021, 02:46 PM

The Raiders take on the Bulldogs at 3pm this Saturday at Suncorp Stadium in the NRL Magic Round where they hope to get a win under their belt.

This weekend is set to be a thriller as the Raiders play in game three of eight matches that are being held at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

The last few weeks have been tough for the men in green, but this weekend will hopefully get the team back on their feet.

With the Bulldogs currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder, this is the win that the Raiders are desperate to get.

Round 10 - Round 10 - Saturday 15 May

Full Time

Bulldogs

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Caleb Aekins
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Nick Cotric

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Bailey Simonsson
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Will Hopoate

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Sebastian Kris
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Nick Meaney

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Curtis Scott
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Tuipulotu Katoa

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Semi Valemei
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Brandon Wakeham

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Jake Averillo

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 George Williams

Forwards

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Luke Thompson

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Sione Katoa

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
Prop for Bulldogs is number 16 Ava Seumanufagai

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Emre Guler
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Adam Elliott

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Corey Harawira-Naera
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Chris Smith

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Renouf Atoni

Lock for Raiders is number 15 Dunamis Lui

Interchange

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bradley Deitz

Interchange for Raiders is number 13 Hudson Young
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Corey Waddell

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Josh Hodgson
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Matt Doorey

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Corey Horsburgh
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 23 Ofahiki Ogden

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Ryan James

Reserves

Reserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Joe Stimson

Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Matthew Timoko

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Butler
Touch Judge: Todd Smith
Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated: 5/29/2023 4:41:02 AM

Last Time They Met

The last time these two sides met was in round 16 of 2020, the Raiders won 34-20. Jack Wighton and Tom Starling both managed to score doubles in this match.

Key Match-Ups

Bailey Simonsson v Nick Cotric

After scoring his first try for the season last weekend in Wagga, Bailey Simonsson will be eager to dive over again.

Simonsson continues to make valuable metres from the back with a running average of 113 metres in the 2021 season.

But this weekend will be tough for Simonsson as he goes head-to-head with former teammate Nick Cotric who plays the Raiders for the first time since his departure.

Cotric’s strength and speed make him dominate in post-contact metres and is hard to stop close for the line.

With ex-teammates set to go against each other, it is bound to be an interesting contest.

Play of the Week: Williams sets up Simonsson

Tom Starling v Sione Katoa

Each week Tom Starling has been explosive from behind the ruck, directing his forwards around the park and setting up for his ball players.

Despite the Raiders losses over the last few weeks, Starling has managed to be solid, and last week made 52 tackles, which was the highest in the game.

Starling will come up against Sione Katoa who has also been consistent in the middle for the Bulldogs despite their unsuccess.

With the Bulldogs shifting their team around, Katoa will have to remain strong in the middle, and work with his halves if they want to win.

Emre Guler v Luke Thompson

After a strong performance last weekend against the Knights, Emre Guler will be hoping to back it up on the weekend.

Securing his spot in the Raiders side after returning to the NRL from injury in round six, Guler has proved to be a hard-working forward.

Playing for just 40 minutes last week, Guler managed to run 96 metres and make 30 tackles. This week will be no different for the prop as he faces Luke Thompson.

Thompson, also a workhorse will be hard to stop on Saturday with his ability to break tackles and offload.

Running a total of 137 metres in his clash against the Dragons last week, Thompson will be one to watch for the Bulldogs, making an exciting battle of the forwards.