NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Eels

The Green Machine will be going into their Round 15 match looking to bounce back following their 26-point deficit to the Roosters last Friday.

Meanwhile for the home side, they will also be looking for redemption after their close 14-12 loss against the Bulldogs on Monday.

For the Raiders, plenty is happening in the squad. Club Captain Joe Tapine will make his 250th NRL appearance in this match, while Vena Patuki-Case is set to begin his NRL career with the young, impactful prop to make his debut from the bench.

It continues to be a ‘next man up’ mentality for the Raiders and their Origin representatives, with Daine Laurie showing to be consistently versatile by going back into the five-eighth position to cover Ethan Strange, and Ata Mariota will start in the second row to cover Hudson Young.

Seb Kris will return to the centres after being out last week for a concussion. Meanwhile, Saveilo Tamale is ruled out due to concussion protocols with Jed Stuart will start on the wing in his place.

For the Eels, head coach Jason Ryles has kept his same 1-19 for this match as they look to snap a three-game losing streak.

Talking points:

• The Raiders have won their last four games against the Eels
• Joseph Tapine will make his 250th NRL appearance on Saturday
• The Eels have only won one of their last five games at Commbank Stadium
• The Eels have lost their last three games, all away from home

Last time they met:

The Raiders defeated the Eels 40-16 at GIO Stadium in Round 20 of the 2025 season

Key Matchup: Xavier Savage v Josh Addo-Carr

This matchup will highlight the two speedsters as wingers Xavier Savage and Josh Addo-Carr will face off in a fiery battle.

Both players are known for their speed, with Addo Carr racking up a top speed of 36.58km/h in 2025, but Savage is right on his tail, clocking a 36.18km/h top speed last year.

Even though Savage has been in the NRL since 2021, it will be an old-buck-v-young-buck type of energy, with both players bringing their speed, agility, and attacking strategies to every match, and this Saturday will be no different.

Both wingers bring consistent runs to their matches with Addo Carr averaging 134 run meters per game this season, but Savage is not far behind on 129 run meters per game and will look to add to that stat on Saturday.

Savage has amassed four tries so far this season across his eight games played and for Addo Carr, he has scored six tries in 12 games and will be a threat to Savage’s attacking and running game.

The last time these two met in Round 20, 2025, was a classic ‘attack and run’ style of game with a combined 212 running metres from the pair.

These two players will be worth watching and will definitely provide some flair and fire to this match with their powerful speed and agility.