NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Dragons

The Raiders enter the final game of the season after an impressive fortnight of football with consecutive wins over title contenders, the latest being a gritty two-point victory against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium. 

Meanwhile, the Dragons suffered a 44-40 defeat last start against the Parramatta Eels which placed a significant dent in their finals hopes. 

Talking Points

• Jordan Rapana will miss the rest of the season for the Raiders after suffering a broken cheekbone, with Kaeo Weekes moving into the fullback position.
• Ethan Strange returns to five eighth and Jamal Fogarty is a welcomed inclusion at halfback. 
• Elliott Whitehead has been handed a three match suspension, meaning Simi Sasagi replaces him in the starting line-up and Trey Mooney returns to the interchange bench.  
• In a backline reshuffle for the Dragons, Moses Suli and Jack Bird rekindle their centre partnership.
• Lyhkan King-Togia starts at five eighth for the first time in his career while Matthew Feagai replaces Mikaele Ravalawa on the wing. 
• Jacob Liddle returns after missing last week's game replacing Connor Muhleisen at hooker. 
• Canberra hold a strong advantage over their rivals this week, claiming victory in seven of their past nine against St George Illawarra.

Finals Race

If Sunday's meeting between Knights & Dolphins ends in a draw, the winner of Saturday's match between the Dragons and Raiders will take 8th place on the ladder.

Last Time They Met 

The two sides met in Round 19 last year at WIN Stadium with the Raiders running out 36-26 winners. 

Key Matchup

Jamal Fogarty vs Ben Hunt 

The battle between the experienced number sevens will be paramount in deciding the contest on Saturday afternoon with the two playmakers desperate to keep their sides finals chances alive. 

In an injury riddled season, Jamal Fogarty has been instrumental for the green machine with his long kicking game strangling opposition back threes and placing them under pressure, whilst also being a handy playmaker for his strike weapons out wide. 

In 13 appearances during the 2024 campaign, Fogarty has forced 10 line drop outs and leads the league in average kick metres with 552.6 a game.

Ben Hunt has been instrumental for the Dragons this season with the Queensland representative being the leader of the Red V’s performances in 2024. 

The crafty number seven has appeared in 21 games this season, only missing out due to State of Origin duties. Hunt has scored four tries and leads the league with 28 try assists whilst also sitting second for kick metres per game with 487.9. 

With the finals on the line, the respective number sevens will be aiming to guide their sides around the park successfully and claim an important two competition points.  

Head to Head 

This will be the 39th matchup between the two sides with the Raiders holding the strong advantage with 24 wins, compared to the Dragons 13.