NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Warriors

Talking Points

• For the first time since round six 2005, the Canberra Raiders sit in first on the NRL ladder.
• The Warriors record at Apollo Projects Stadium includes one win, one draw and three losses in five matches at the venue. 
• The Canberra Raiders have the highest completion rate in the competition, completing at 90% in the first two weeks.
• The Warriors come into this week's match after a heartbreaking loss last week in the final seconds, Xavier Coates scoring one of the great all-time tries to sink New Zealand to 0-2. 

We all know and expect them to come out hard on Friday night so we're ready for it. If we keep playing the way we've been playing, we can come away with the win.

Albert Hopoate #386

Last Time They Met

The New Zealand Warriors defeated the Canberra Raiders 21-20 in Golden Point, after a Shaun Johnson field goal in round 21 of last season.

Key Matchup

Shaun Johnson v Jamal Fogarty 

The matchup between the two halfbacks is one which fans will be looking on with intrigue on Friday night as they look to steer their respective side to victory. 

Jamal Fogarty has impressed at the start of the season with his kicking game playing a key role in the Raiders' early victories.

Since his arrival in the nation's capital in season 2022, he has been a consistent member of Ricky Stuart's side with his leadership and guidance around the park a crucial aspect of Canberra’s start to the season.  

Shaun Johnson had a career renaissance in 2023, having one of the best seasons of his career and leading the New Zealand Warriors to a preliminary final.

After leading the league in try assists last season, the Warriors number seven will be looking to play a key role to help his side secure their first win of the season. 

Head to Head

This matchup will be the 47th these two sides have played with both sides having 23 wins to their name.