NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Titans

The Raiders braved the hot and humid conditions of Darwin to score an important, confidence building win over the Eels on Saturday night.

Led by a strong forward pack, Ricky Stuart's Raiders sit inside the top four as they eye off their third straight win this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Titans are coming off back-to-back losses to the Dragons and Dolphins and will be looking to turn things around back at home.

Talking Points:

• Raiders backrower Zac Hosking returns from a hand injury with Simi Sasagi sliding to the extended bench.
• Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui returns from a one-match suspension to provide a huge boost for his side.
• Jojo Fifita (thigh) and Izaac Fa'asuamaleaui (ankle) also re-join the Titans 17 after recovering from injury.
• The Raiders have won nine of their past 10 games against the Titans.
• The Titans have not defeated the Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium since 2018.
• Raiders second-rower Hudson Young has scored five tries in his past four games.
• Titans five-eighth AJ Brimson has scored four tries in his past three games.

Last time they met

Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty kicked a Golden Point field goal to defeat the Titans 21-20 in round six, 2024 at GIO Stadium.

I know we're capable of doing special things. It's a very young group that we have and we worked so hard in the pre-season to put us in the position we are in now.

Matt Timoko on their consistent start to the year #369

Key Matchup

Ethan Strange v AJ Brimson

These two live-wire five-eighths have shown glimpses of their ability so far in 2025 and are both capable of having a huge impact on this game.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was impressed with his 20-year-old five-eighth Strange after last week's win, saying he thought it was his best game of NRL in his young 29-game career.

Strange has continued to improve, scoring his first try of the season in his sides' big 50-12 win over the Eels, adding to his three try-assists already on the season.

Building a strong combination with his left edge, he has been responsible for feeding form players Hudson Young and Seb Kris the ball, who have both combined for 10 tries already in just six games.

Meanwhile, Brimson has showcased his flexibility, lining up alongside new halves partner Jayden Campbell to start season 2025.

The former Origin fullback has had a red-hot last few weeks, scoring four tries in five games to date.

Yet to land a try assist this season, Brimson has damaged the game in other areas, logging 17 tackle breaks and 3 linebreaks.

Both number six's present elite footwork and strong ability to break a game open at any time, putting opposition defence on alert.