NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Bulldogs

Coming off the bye in round 18, Canberra will be desperate to build upon their 24-16 victory against the Dragons last time out and keep their finals hopes alive in 2026.

While a short turnaround from Origin leaves the availability of a handful of players from both teams in the balance, the Raiders have received timely reinforcements with the return of Josh Papalii and Noah Martin.

The return of Martin to the right edge see’s Zac Hosking slot into lock, with Papalii serving as an impact off the bench in his return game.

Additionally, the versatility of Daine Laurie is once again at the Raiders disposal, with Laurie having served his one-week suspension.

Elsewhere, Canberra are set to celebrate the services of Tom Starling this weekend, with the tough as nails dummy-half bringing up his 150th NRL cap.

On the other side of the field the Bulldogs will be in search of the fourth win in a row, sitting only one win outside of the top eight with nine games remaining.

The availability of Jacob Preston is one to watch out for, with the backrower being named in the reserves for a potential comeback, having been plagued by an arm injury in recent months

Having met previously in round three, the Raiders and Bulldogs have endured similar fates this season, making the two points on Saturday evening all the more valuable.

Talking Points:

• Noah Martin and Josh Papalii return to bolster the Raiders forward pack.
• Tom Starling brings up his 150th NRL cap.
• Canberra Travel to Sydney’s Olympic precinct for the first time since 2023.
• Hudson Young, Ethan Stange and Stephen Crichton named to back up from Origin.
• Daine Laurie returns from suspension.

Last Time They Met:

The Bulldogs defeated the Raiders 14-10 at GIO Stadium, Canberra, in round three of the 2026 season.

Coming off a good break that they gave and everyone’s bouncing into the building. Pretty fresh after that little break and like we already said, having those guys come back from injury, long stints in rehab, really adds to the excitement for the back end of the year.

Zac Hosking #393

Key Matchup: Simi Sasagi v Matt Burton

The Round 19 key matchup features two players whose versatility creates headaches for opposition outifts, with Simi Sasagi and Matt Burton set to go head-to-head in the centres on Saturday night.

Entering the 2026 season Simi Sasagi was thrust into the unfamiliar role of centre, a jersey that now feels unrecognisable without him in it, due to his seamless transition and abundance of highlight reel plays.

Sasagi’s versatility has delivered in spades this season, having shifted between the centres and backrow on numerous occasions to help counter the clubs challenge with injuries.

Having only returned from his own battle with injury in the Raiders round 17 clash against the Dragons, Sasagi’s absence was largely felt throughout the middle part of the season.

On Saturday night, Sasagi will find himself opposite Matt Burton, another player who has found himself in the centres in recent weeks.

Having featured in the Dogs halves for best part of the season, Burton’s recent shift to the centres has unleashed his running game, a characteristic that originally put him on the map.

While another man out from the ruck, Burton’s innate ability to put opposition teams on the back foot through his left boot must not be forgotten.

Fans are sure to be treated to a spectacular battle between Sasagi and Burton on Saturday night, as the positional journeymen light up Accor Stadium in hopes of keeping their respective club’s season alive.