NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg: Round 23 Preview

The Jersey Flegg Cup kicks off on Sunday morning, where the Raiders host the Knights at Raiders Belconnen. 

Canberra sit ninth on the ladder and welcome the 11th-place Knights in a matchup that carries major finals implications. Canberra are looking to rebound after a tough 50‑22 loss to the Panthers, while Newcastle arrive with confidence following their 34‑20 win over the Silktails.

The Raiders dominated the previous meeting between the sides with a 46‑16 victory. They also hold a strong head‑to‑head record with five wins and a draw from their previous matchups. With only three rounds remaining, and a bye to finish the regular season, Canberra need a final surge to push into the top eight.

The Raiders have named an unchanged starting side, with Ezra Leota and Zildjian Tafili joining the bench to round out the squad. The Knights also run out an unchanged lineup as they look to build on last week’s momentum.

With the season on the line, the Raiders will rely on their home crowd to help drive a crucial late‑season push.

The Knock On Effect NSW Cup

The Canberra Raiders NSW Cup side will round out a competitive day of footy against the Knights at GIO Stadium on Sunday. 

The Raiders face a major test against the third‑placed Knights in a match that could define their run home. Canberra sit tenth with 25 points after a 28‑16 loss to the Panthers. The home side are three points outside the top five, and with a strong run home and a bye to finish the season, the green machine can find themselves in the finals.  

Meanwhile, Newcastle arrive off the back of two consecutive defeats to the Bears and Roosters. The visiting side are well ahead of the competition, but with momentum and confidence dropping, the Raiders have a chance to open up the game early and put the Knights to the test. 

Canberra have boosted their lineup with several first‑grade inclusions. Sebastian Kris returns in the centres, Matty Nicholson strengthens the second row, and Savelio Tamale slots onto the wing. Coby Black returns to halfback, shifting Ethan Alaia to five‑eighth.

Despite ladder positions, the Raiders hold a strong historical advantage, winning eight of the ten head‑to‑head clashes between the sides.

With a tough run ahead and finals hopes alive, this matchup is crucial for the Raiders to regain momentum and keep themselves in the hunt.