NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Panthers

Off the back of a strong 28 - 12 win against the Titans last Saturday, the Green Machine are currently sitting 13th on the ladder and will be looking for back-to-back wins in front of a home crowd.

Going into this match, the Raiders have a few changes to the squad to counteract the growing injury list.

Five-eighth Ethan Strange will return from an ankle injury, which sees Kaeo Weekes move back into fullback and Daine Laurie on the interchange.

For the forwards, Hudson Young will be a huge boost coming back from suspension, and Jayden Brailey has been named in lock with youngster Joe Roddy out with a broken hand.

For the opposition, the Panthers are currently sitting first on the ladder even though some close matches over the last few rounds have kept them in check, particularly last week’s tight 18 - 16 win over Manly.

Penrith interchange player Jack Cogger is currently suspended, which sees Jack Cole move into the 14, and NSW Cup player Liam Henry has been named on the bench for his first NRL appearance of the season.

We’re building off the back of what we did last week… we’ve got boys coming back, and they are only going to make us better

Matt Timoko #369

Talking Points:

• Hudson Young will return for the Raiders after serving his two-week suspension.
• The Raiders have won their last two games against the Panthers by four points.
• Raiders centre Matt Timoko recorded the second most metres recorded by a centre in NRL era, amassing 324m last week against the Titans.
• Penrith’s Liam Henry will make his first NRL appearance for 2026.
• Canberra young gun, Joe Roddy, has broken his hand and has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks.
• Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes has scored four tries in his last four games.

Last time they met:

The Raiders defeated the Panthers 20 - 16 in Round 25, 2025 in Mudgee

It’s going to be a tough game against Penrith, it always is, but I think the way the team trained today, the boys are up for it.

Matt Timoko #369

Matchup: Simi Sasagi v Luke Garner

It will be a battle of the second rowers on Sunday with Simi Sasagi and Luke Garner for the Round 10 matchup.

Sasagi, who typically plays in centre, played in second row last week and was in cracker form, scoring two tries against the Titans and amassed 30 tackles, the most he has in a game so far this season.

He will continue to showcase his impact through strong tackles and linebreaks when he plays in second-row again on Sunday and matches up against Penrith’s experienced Luke Garner.

Garner, who has been with the Panthers since 2023, has been consistently steady and has contributed impact off the bench so far this season with 204 tackles under his belt, proving he’s a worthy competitor in the second row.

These two will surely be two to watch in the forward pack, and fans are going to witness a brilliant capstone match to Round 10.