NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Bulldogs

The Raiders enter NRL’s Women in League round off the back of an impressive win at home against the Rabbitohs which sees the Green Machine sit outside the top eight on for and against. 

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs secured a comprehensive upset win over the Brisbane Broncos away from home and will be filled with confidence when they return to their spiritual home for the second time this season.  

Talking Points

• Canberra Raider #300 Josh Papalii will play his 300th NRL game this weekend becoming only the third Raider to achieve this feat after Jason Croker and Jarrod Croker. 
• The Bulldogs remain the only team undefeated at home this season, claiming eight victories in as many attempts. 
• Coach Ricky Stuart has named an unchanged lineup from the side who secured an important victory at home against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. 
• Cameron Ciraldo and the Bulldogs welcome back a couple of superstar outside backs, with Josh Addo Carr and Stephen Crichton returning to the side who defeated the Broncos. 
• The Canberra Raiders hold the recent ledger over the Bulldogs, boasting the last nine victories in this matchup. 

Last Time They Met

The Canberra Raiders secured a tight 24-20 victory in round ten at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at this year's Magic Round. 

Key Matchup

Elliott Whitehead vs Jacob Preston 

The battle of the edge back rowers will be one which fans will be excited to witness as it’s a contest between a young star and grizzled veteran. 

Elliott Whitehead has been a stalwart for the Canberra Raiders side and is off the back of his 200th NRL game last weekend with his leadership and reliability key to his game. 

Making 11 appearances this season, Whitehead has been a valued member of the side crossing for four tries, having three line breaks and averaging 32 tackles a game which will be key this weekend to prevent the dangerous Bulldogs attack. 

Jacob Preston burst onto the scene last year and has become a key member of Cameron Ciraldo’s side, playing a similar style to Whitehead. 

Preston has also made 11 appearances in 2024, scoring five tries, breaking the line on five occasions, averaging 33 tackles a game and scoring in his last two matches at Belmore Sports Ground. 

This battle will be an intriguing one as both players are key to their sides ability to lay a platform, while also critical in their sides defensive structure. 

Head to Head

This will be the 43rd matchup between the two sides, the Raiders holding the advantage with 24 wins compared to the Bulldogs 18 victories.