NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Rabbitohs

The home side returns fresh off a dominant performance against the Bulldogs last Saturday, taking them down 40-16 in an inspiring match that keeps them within reach of a top-eight finish.

The Canberra forwards played a key role in the victory, with Zac Hosking scoring a hat-trick and Noah Martin scoring a try himself. Halfback Ethan Sanders showcased a near-perfect kicking performance, converting five out of six tries and three penalty goals. 

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs enter the matchup following a close victory against the Knights in front of their home crowd. After gaining a 14-point lead at halftime, South Sydney’s defence battled to hold off their opponents and secured a 26-24 win. 

Ethan Strange and Hudson Young will return to the starting side for the Raiders following their Origin victory, which boosts the Raiders' experience and tactical edge. Winger Savelio Tamale will return to the bench following an impressive performance in the NSW Cup last week.

The return of top try-scorer Alex Johnston will elevate the Souths' attack alongside the return of Cody Walker at five-eighth following his suspension. 

Talking points:

• The Raiders have won their last five games against the Rabbitohs.
• The Rabbitohs have lost four of their last five away games.
• Raiders winger Xavier Savage has scored 10 tries in his last 12 games at GIO Stadium.
• Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Raiders.
• Raiders hooker Tom Starling will play his 150th game for the club.

Last time they met:

The Canberra Raiders defeated the Rabbitohs 36-34 at Optus Stadium in round 6 of this season.

Key Matchup: Simi Sasagi v Tallis Duncan

The Raiders and Rabbitohs will showcase a battle of the centres as Simi Sasagi and Tallis Duncan clash at GIO Stadium. 

Simi Sasagi’s return from a six‑week shoulder injury has been nothing short of impressive. In round 17, he exploded back onto the scene with six tackle breaks and a massive 238 running metres.

He returned in round 19 with the same fire, scoring a try and bringing confidence to the field. Now heading into his third game since returning, Sasagi looks ready to build on that momentum and re‑establish himself as a key player in the competition.

Throughout the season, Sasagi has played in 11 games and scored five tries, while Tallis Duncan has 16 appearances and eight tries. Duncan also has racked up 12 line breaks this season, doubling Sasagi’s numbers and showcasing the damage he can cause. Duncan’s experience in the Rabbitohs lineup and ability to break through the line will make him a constant threat.  

Sasagi dominates the field in carries, averaging 168 running metres per game, significantly higher than Duncan’s 134 metres. Sasagi’s ability to generate post‑contact metres and run away with the ball gives the Raiders an attacking advantage. Meanwhile, Duncan brings a defensive edge to the Rabbitohs, with an impressive 91% tackle efficiency compared to Sasagi’s 85%.

This matchup becomes a clash of contrasting strengths that could define the momentum of the game. Canberra fans should prepare to get behind their Green Machine and gear up for a final push towards the top eight.