Matchday Details
Saturday, August 30 – 3pm (AEST) – GIO Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Kasey Badger | Bunker: Grant Atkins
Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota18. Noah Martin 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Danny Levi 21. Trey Mooney 22. Ethan Sanders
Tigers
1. Jahreem Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Latu Fainui 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal 14. Heath Mason 15. Royce Hunt 16. Charlie Murray 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Heamasi Makasini 19. Kit Laulilii 20. Krystian Mapalangi 21. Tristan Hope 22. Brent Naden
Match Preview
The Raiders are close to their first minor premiership in over 30 years. Last week’s 20-16 Golden Point win against Penrith was a huge step in Canberra’s quest for top-of-the-table honours heading into the finals. They come up against a Wests Tigers team who, despite all the criticism, sit just two wins outside of the top eight. Whilst a mathematical chance, their for-and-against is too inferior, making it near impossible to play finals football this season.
In team news, the Raiders’ title hopes were dealt a significant blow this week with improved winger Xavier Savage ruled out for the rest of the season with a fractured shoulder. The timing of Savelio Tamale’s return from his own long-term injury couldn’t be better as he is ready to replace Savage immediately. Other than this there are no changes to the Green Machine’s line-up from last week.
For the Tigers, they looked good in their 2005 retro jerseys, but sadly the quality of their on-field performance didn’t match as they blew a nice lead to lose 34-28 in the 2005 Grand Final rematch. Their team news consists of some bad news once again for Adam Doueihi. Injuries have robbed him of consistent playing time over the years and this time around he’s looking at a long stint on the sideline with a facial fracture. Latu Fainu comes into starting halfback, with utility spine player Heath Mason taking a spot on the bench. Brent Naden makes way for the return of form centre Starford To’a, who boosts the Tigers’ right attacking edge.
These two teams met in round 16 this season. A cold Friday night in Campbelltown felt just like a home game for Canberra as they did the job 16-12. The Raiders looked like they were gonna rack up 50 points, as they strolled out to a 16-0 lead after 23 minutes, destroying the Tigers up the middle with tries to Tom Starling and Joe Tapine. The Tigers showed their new-found grit – that appears every so often this season – as they scored two quick second half tries to give the Raiders a sweat, as Canberra defended a four-point lead for 27 minutes. The game turned into an arm wrestle and no more points were scored. An ugly but important win for Canberra and the stakes are even higher this time around.
No major player milestones this game, but Josh Papalii does play his 150th game at GIO Stadium. “Big Papa” will have his work cut out for him as he has to deal with a scary Tigers forward pack consisting of Terrell May and Fonua Pole. The game was an arm wrestle last time around, and with both teams with a forward rolling-reliant game plan, I expect nothing less this time around. Can the Tigers dent the Raiders’ minor premiership hopes in front of their home crowd? Or does the green wave roll on into a massive final round match against the Dolphins?
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Raiders by 12.
See our full Round 26 Predictions (live Wednesday 12pm) here: 2025 NRL Tipping: Round 26 Writer Predictions
Have your say: Who wins? Drop your tip in the comments or vote in our poll.
