NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Knights

After hitting the sheds 16 points up, the Raiders defended their lead against a fierce Tigers outfit who weren’t looking to lose face at home.

Instrumental in the win, Raiders’ prop and captain Joe Tapine emerged from the contest with three successful captain’s challenges, a crucial strip on the Raiders’ tryline, 100% tackle efficiency, and a try to boot.

This weekend, the Raiders welcome Simi Sasagi into the starting lineup as Hudson Young will be rested after backing up for the Tigers match 48 hours after Origin II.

On the other side of the country, the Knights toppled the Dolphins 26-20 over in Perth, breathing life into their season.

One of the Knights’ best in 2025, Fletcher Sharpe suffered a lacerated kidney in the contest meaning five-eighth Jackson Hastings will come into the side to replace him, along with prop Jacob Saifiti after recovering from a round 11 calf injury.

Kalyn Ponga looks to be whipping his men into shape heading into the back end of the season providing an opportunity for either side to jag an important win heading into the back end of the season.

Talking points:

• Back-rower Noah Martin comes onto the interchange for his second appearance in the NRL.
• Raiders’ Jed Stuart will retain his spot on the wing this weekend after a stellar debut against the Tigers.
• The Knights have lost five of their past six games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
• The Knights have won four of their past five games against the Raiders.
• The Green Machine have won nine out of their last ten matches.

Last time they met:

Last time these two teams met, the Knights beat the Raiders 16-12 at GIO Stadium in Canberra during round 17, 2024.

Key Match-Up:

Kaeo Weekes vs Kalyn Ponga

The tactical masterclass and pure athleticism of both fullbacks have been on display in recent weeks, playing a vital role in their teams' performances and leading them around the park when they need it most.

Weekes is a key member of the Raiders' backline, as he plays with eyes-up footy and uses his speed to blitz through tired defenders and gaps within opponents' defence. Kaeo already this season has 65 tackle breaks and is ranked ninth in the league, along with nine linebreaks to his name.

Weekes in big games has not gone missing with that phenomenal try against the Storm, using his pace and eyes up footy to dismantle the Storm's defence and win the game for the Raiders is just one example of him showing up when the Raiders need him most.

Weekes' running game has consistently improved as the season goes by, as he currently averages 138 running meters with a total of 2078. Weekes is improving game in and game out and showing why he has been the Raiders' best in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga has been the glue holding the Knights team together, with a terrific game last weekend against the Dolphins showing his perception and precision while on the field.

Although it has taken him a while to warm up, Ponga can crack any defence with his sharp footwork and his tackle-breaking ability. Ponga has had 42 tackle-breaks, and 4 line breaks so far this year.

After winning game two with QLD in this year's State of Origin, he is one to watch in this mouthwatering matchup on Friday night.

This game proves to be a battle of speed in the backlines of both teams, but most importantly, a battle of pure athleticism for both of these superstar fullbacks.