NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Bulldogs

Off the back of a tough loss against the Warriors in New Zealand in round two, the Raiders are hoping to bounce back and claim victory in front of a home crowd.

Raiders prop Josh Papalii returns from concussion protocols and will slot straight back in the front row in the number eight jersey. Morgan Smithies has moved back to the interchange, while Matt Timoko rounds out the six-man bench.

Meanwhile, Canterbury will be coming in fresh after a well-earned bye week following their golden point thriller against the Dragons in Vegas.

Experienced outside back Enari Tuala will step in to replace Bronson Xerri in the side's only change.

Talking points: 

• The Raiders have won five out of their last six games against the Bulldogs at GIO Stadium.
• Bulldogs centre and Captain Stephen Crichton has scored 10 tries in eight games against the Raiders.
• Ricky Stuart will coach his 300th game for the Raiders.

Last time they met:

The Canterbury Bulldogs defeated the Canberra Raiders 32-20 at GIO Stadium in round 10, 2025. 

The boys are excited for their first home game of the season, but sometimes with a short turnaround, there are struggles to find the energy to get going again, but with the first home game coming off a loss, we’re looking forward to it and can’t wait to be back at GIO

Tom Starling #362

Key Matchup: Ethan Strange v Matt Burton 

Raiders young gun Ethan Strange is set to face off against Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton in round three’s key matchup. 

Strange had an incredible season in 2025, after scoring 14 tries, 12 try assists, and five goals. His fast pace and stellar ball work saw him earn a spot in the Australian squad for the Ashes series and receive the Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year. 

On Thursday night, he will be coming up against Matt Burton, one of the most experienced five-eighths currently in the league. 

After stacking up an impressive average of 340 kicking metres last season and 462 kicking metres in Vegas in round one, Burton is sure to bring his kicking game with him to Canberra and will be a threat to Canberra’s attack. 

This match will be one to watch as both these five-eighths had incredible 2025 seasons and a great matchup to kick off Mutlicultural Round.