Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 8 clash between the Canberra Raiders and The Dolphins.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Canberra Raiders vs The Dolphins
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Date: Sunday April 27, 14:00 (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Zac Hosking 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Ata Mariota 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Jed Stuart 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Danny Levi
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Max Plath 10. Francis Molo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Mark Nicholls 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Ray Stone 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Junior Tupou
Referee: Ashley Klein
Bunker: Adam Gee
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Canberra Raiders have stunned many through the first seven rounds of the completion, securing five wins and sitting very pretty in third spot. The Dolphins caused a huge upset last week, beating competition favourites the Melbourne Storm 42-22, putting them one win outside the top eight. Given the recent form of both these teams this shapes up to be a classic Sunday match.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has the luxury of being able to name the same seventeen that defeated the Titans 30-20. After coming back from an early 16-0 deficit they will have to ensure they start this match a lot sharper as the Dolphins on their day have some really good defensive resilience.
As for the Dolphins their team gets boosted with the experienced representative front rower Francis Molo making his club debut. The introduction of Molo means a slight reshuffle in the forward pack, Felise Kaufusi (knee) drops out of the side, and Mark Nicholls moves to lock. Nicholls has been a real impact bench player for the Dolphins, so seeing him start in lock will really increase his minutes and involvement.
The Dolphins haven’t been in the NRL for long, but every single time they play Canberra it seems to be a thriller. They’ve only met three times, but in each of these three games the winning margin has been by six points or less – with Canberra edging the head-to-head score 2-1. Another interesting stat going into this game is that if the Dolphins come to Canberra and find the victory, it will be a new club record for consecutive wins (four).
Both of these teams rely heavily on their forwards laying the platform and playing disciplined grinding football. The key match-up for this one for me is Raiders captain Joe Tapine vs the new recruit Molo. Molo is one of the underrated forwards in our game despite the fact he has played Origin for Queensland. Tapine on his best days is the best front rower in the competition, his impactful running and ability to score tries or offload the football make him a constant threat. The Dolphins have always had an experienced forward pack since their inception in 2023, so I know they will relish the challenge of stopping Canberra’s big men on their own turf. On a side note Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa is getting better and better while Jamal Fogarty seems to be getting closer and closer to an exit to Manly. This halves battle is shaping up nicely as well. The Raiders are rightful favourites, but don’t “sleep” on the Dolphins.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Raiders by 4 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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