NSW Cup & Jersey Flegg: Round 21 Preview

The Raiders are up against the Wests Tigers as both teams battle for a top five spot with finals just around the corner. 

The Canberra side will return to Belconnen for round 21 following their close 28-26 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs last week.

With both teams scoring five tries each, a single conversion was the reason for the Raiders success. After going into halftime down 22-6, the resilience and power that Canberra showcased in their comeback will be crucial to their run to the finals. 

The Raiders enter this matchup with four straight wins under their belt and an unchanged squad that has proven their success.

Currently ninth on the ladder and only three points behind a place in the top five, the Raiders will need to keep pushing to maintain their momentum and winning spirit alive.

The West Tigers travel to Canberra in sixth place after being thrashed by the Bulldogs 38-12 in Belmore. Despite retaining the majority of the possession throughout the game, the Tigers found themselves suffering their third defeat in a row. 

The Raiders are set to face three top eight teams and a bye to round out the season. Fans will need to cheer the Canberra side home as they fight for their finals position.

The Knock On Effect NSW Cup

The NSW Cup Raiders round out a big day at GIO Stadium when they take on the Western Suburbs Magpies in a pivotal clash for both sides.

Canberra fell to the Rabbitohs 30-20 last week to end their run of five wins and a draw. Sione Finau bagged a double and the Raiders impressed defensively with an 89% tackle efficiency.

The Raiders currently sit two points outside the top five and face the competition’s first and second‑placed teams after this match, making the Magpies clash a crucial win. Canberra have historically dominated the matchup, winning eight of the 11 meetings, including the last two.

This week will see Sebastian Kris return on the wing for Kain Anderson, while Jayze Tuigamala and Matty Nicholson boost the second row.

The Magpies sit just one point outside the top five and come off a 36-30 victory over the Bulldogs. Their backline has been reshaped, with Jeral Skelton on the wing, Starford To’a in the centres, and Ben Stevanovic at five‑eighth.

Overall, this clash is vital to both team’s run to the finals. Canberra will need to push and regain their momentum from earlier this season to power into the top five.