NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Warriors

12,500km from home, Ricky Stuart’s team landed in Sin City last week with one goal in mind: to continue their impressive streak of round one wins.

Typically, the Raiders have no issues hitting the ground running, having only lost the single round one clash since 2019.

Meanwhile, the Warriors had troubles winning away from home in 2024, winning only four of their 13 games played outside of New Zealand.

Warriors fans will also be left wondering if the arrival of James Fisher-Harris will be enough to offset the huge losses in experience of Addin Fonua-Blake, Tohu Harris and most notably, Shaun Johnson.

Talking points

• Ricky Stuart has named a full-strength lineup, with Raiders winger Albert Hopoate making himself unavailable for round one due to the birth of his child.
• The Raiders will blood two rookies with NSW Cup darling Savelio Tamale starting on the wing and hooker Owen Pattie coming off the bench after his strong performance in the pre-season.
• All eyes are on fullback Kaeo Weekes after a phenomenal preseason performance. After flirting with the position in the 2024 season, Weekes takes over as starting fullback following the departure of Jordan Rapana.
• The round one clash marks prop Joseph Tapine’s first match as captain of the Raiders. Tapine will take over after the departure of Elliott Whitehead and earned the title after receiving his third consecutive Meninga Medal in 2024.
• Second-rower, Zac Hosking returns from a calf injury suffered at training in January.

Last Time They Met

The Raiders and the Warriors last met in round 20, 2024, with the Raiders coming out on top 20-18 at GIO Stadium, Canberra.

Key Matchup

Joe Tapine v James Fisher Harris

The battle of the enforcers should be something to watch this Sunday as Joe Tapine and James Fisher-Harris stand toe-to-toe in the front row. Scrum partners and co-captains of the Maori all-stars in 2023, Tapine and Fisher-Harris are notably good mates from the Kiwis space but will look to their relationship as rivals this weekend.

The Raiders forward pack was formidable in 2024 in no small part due to Tapine, who averaged 68 post contact metres per game across the season. He was rightfully recognised for an outstanding season, winning the Dally M Prop of the Year and his third straight Mal Meninga Medal.

Already one of the game’s elite props, Tapine will look to carry this momentum into 2025 with the round one hit-out. So naturally, expect to see intensity in the forward pack as Tapine is shouldered by Corey Horsburgh and Tom Starling.

Tapine will also wear the armband for the first time, leading the Raiders out in-front of an expected 50,000 people at Allegiant Stadium. 

In the blue corner, James Fisher-Harris plays his debut game in Warriors kit, coming off four straight premierships with the Panthers.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster believes that Fisher-Harris has quickly settled in and is making his mark, after featuring in both Pre-Season Challenge matches in his new colours.

Expect big hit ups and razor-sharp defence from Fisher-Harris, who had a tackle efficiency average of 95% last season – a career high.

Head-to-Head

Since 1998, the Raiders have played the Warriors 48 times, winning 24 of them for a 50% efficiency rate.