NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Knights

After a challenging trip to Mudgee in round 22, Canberra will be looking to regroup at home this weekend, with the inclusion of Simi Sasagi a huge boost for the Green Machine.

Sasagi’s return from injury sees Sebastian Kris drop out of the squad, in addition to Joe Roddy being included on the bench.

The Raiders will be hoping to continue their strong run of form at home, having won their previous three outings at GIO Stadium Canberra.

For Newcastle, veteran Tyson Frizell will bring up his 300th NRL game, moving into the starting lineup in place of Cody Hopwood who moves to the interchange.

The Knights enter Sunday’s showdown off the back of an impressive 30-6 victory against the Broncos at Suncorp last week, solidifying their position in the top eight for now.

Talking Points:

• Simi Sasagi takes his place in centres having missed last week due to injury.
• Canberra have won four of their previous five outings at GIO Stadium Canberra.
• Tyson Frizell will run out for his 300th NRL appearance
• Xavier Savage is in try scoring form, having crossed the line five times in his last six games.

Last Time They Met:
The Knights defeated the Raiders 32-12 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, in round five of the 2026 season.

“They’re all pretty much must win games for us now, we just need to go on a little four game run into the final now. We did that leading into the loss against the Panthers last week, so there’s no reason we can’t do it again.”

Zac Hosking #393

Key Matchup: Owen Pattie V Phoenix Crossland

A battle of the dummy-halves takes centre stage for the round 23 key matchup, as Owen Pattie and Phoenix Crossland go head-to-head at GIO Stadium Canberra this Sunday afternoon.

Having been challenged with working his way into the top side entering 2026, Owen Pattie worked away in the lower grades for the opening few months of the season.

As round eight rolled around, Pattie was knocking down the door for selection and has remained an integral part in the team’s success since.

Still mastering his craft, Pattie consistently demonstrates a natural feel for the game and a unique ability to swing a games momentum from the base of the ruck.

Combining with the young halves pairing of Ethan Sanders and Ethan Strange, Pattie has on numerous occasions taken the pressure off the young pairing, nailing three 40/20s throughout his 11 appearances this season.

On Sunday afternoon Pattie will come face-to-face with New Zealand international Phoenix Crossland, another nine who often has the back three of the opposition looking over their shoulders.

Currently leading the NRL this season for 40/20s made, Crossland just has his head in front of his opposite number, having made four already this season.

Crossland’s value to the Knights extends far beyond his kicking game, leading the league for tackles made this season with a staggering 878.

Coming through the grades as a promising half, Crossland has well and truly made the number nine jersey his own in recent seasons.

Fans should be sure to tune into Sunday’s showdown between two of the games most exciting and versatile dummy-halves, as the stakes continue to rise towards the 2026 finals series.