NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Knights

Following a 34-22 defeat to the Cronulla Sharks, the Raiders will be hoping to end a three-game losing streak.

Having fulfilled his suspension in round four, Canberra’s pack will be bolstered by the return of fan favourite Josh Papalii, who reclaims his position in the starting line-up, seeing Morgan Smithies return to the bench.

After enjoying a formidable promotion to the NRL side against the Sharks, youngster Joe Roddy will return to the NSW Cup following Papalii’s return.

On the other side of the field, Newcastle will be looking to put together back-to-back wins, after their 24-16 victory against the Bulldogs in round four.

Newcastle receives reinforcements of their own, with former Raider, Trey Mooney, returning from suspension to take on his former club for the first time.

Talking Points:  

• The Raiders have lost three consecutive games, sitting with a 1-3 record to start the 2026 season.
• Veteran front rower, Josh Papalii returns to the squad after his one-match suspension.
• Former Raiders Trey Mooney and Pasami Saulo will both line up against the club this Sunday.
• Canberra have enjoyed recent success against the Knights, winning three of their past four matchups.
• Fullback Kaeo Weekes enters the game having scored in his last three appearances against the Knights.

Last Time They Met:

The Canberra Raiders defeated the Newcastle Knights 44-18 at GIO stadium, in round 21 of the 2025 season.

Key Matchup:  Savelio Tamale v Dominic Young

Metre-eating winger’s headline round fives key matchup, as Canberra youngster Savelio Tamale goes face-to-face with England international Dominic Young.

Entering his second season in the nation’s capital, Tamale has continued to demonstrate a hard-working attitude, posing as a constant threat to opposition edge defences.

Averaging 194.5 metres per game to start the season, Tamale currently sits fifth in total run metres.

On Sunday afternoon, Tamale will line up against international winger Dominic Young, who continues to trouble teams with his blistering pace and size.

Young has enjoyed a successful second stint for the Knights, after returning to Newcastle midway through last season.

Having crossed the line if three-out-of-four games, and sitting equal third for tries scored this season, Young enters Sunday’s game as a try scoring threat from all areas of the field.

In front of a packed McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon, fans will be sure to keep an eye out for this matchup between two of the games most dominant young wingers.