NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Storm

With the Raiders currently sitting 15th and the Storm sitting 13th on the ladder, both sides will be looking to gain some points to make their way up the ladder.

Off the back of a thrilling win against the Rabbitohs in Perth, the Raiders will be looking to keep their winning momentum going in front of a home crowd.

Ricky Stuart has made a couple of changes to his squad, with Matt Timoko getting the call back into first grade after a stint in NSW Cup, Sebastian Kris has been shifted onto the wing, and Savelio Tamale has been named in the reserves.

Meanwhile, the Storm will be going into the match looking to regain some confidence after four straight losses.

Craig Bellamy has made one change to his squad with former Raider Manaia Waitere selected on the wing in place of Moses Leo, who has been named in the reserves.

The now six-man bench introduces a potential NRL debut for Melbourne prospect Hugo Peel, and Shawn Blore who looks to make his first-grade return.

Talking points:

• Storm centre Nick Meaney will celebrate his 100th game for the Storm.
• This match will mark Storm’s first trip to GIO Stadium since Round 11, 2021.
• The Raiders have not defeated the Storm at GIO Stadium since 2016.
• Manaia Waitere will be facing off against his former side for the first time.
• Raiders centre Matthew Timoko will be making his first NRL appearance since round two.
• Daine Laurie rounds out the six-man bench for the Raiders and will be looking for some first-grade experience after a hat trick in NSW Cup against the Bears last weekend.

Last time they met

The Canberra Raiders defeated the Melbourne Storm 20-18 in round nine of the 2025 season at Suncorp Stadium.

Key match-up: Joseph Tapine v Stefano Utokiamanu

Joseph Tapine and Stefano Utokiamanu will go head-to-head for a key matchup in the forward packs, with both players being high-impact props for their sides.

Joe Tapine had an incredible performance in the Raiders game against Souths last Saturday, and the numbers show that with 142 run meters from 17 runs and 40 tackles throughout the match.

Meanwhile, Stefano Utokiamanu has clocked up 781 run meters and 183 tackles in only six games so far this season, with 83 total running metres and 36 tackles being added on against the Warriors last week. The Origin representative will be looking to add more against the Raiders, with an average of 130 run meters and 11 hit-ups per match.

The last time they faced off in Magic Round 2025, Tapine walked away with 43 tackles, the highest for the Raiders in that match and 146 run meters. While Utokiamanu gained 81 run meters and 27 tackles in only 42 minutes. 

These two players will be the ones to watch in the forward packs on Friday night, as there will be guaranteed hard hit-ups and large run meters gained.