A heavyweight Friday night clash headlines Round 14 as the Canberra Raiders host the Sydney Roosters in a pivotal matchup with major finals implications. With both sides looking to build consistency and key playmakers in strong form, this contest promises a high-quality battle in the nation’s capital.

Matchday Details

Friday, 5 June 2026 – 8:00pm AEST – GIO Stadium, Canberra
📺 Nine Network / Nine Now / Kayo / Foxtel
Referee: Gerard Sutton | Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Canberra Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Savelio Tamale, 3. Daine Laurie, 4. Matthew Timoko, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Ethan Strange, 7. Ethan Sanders, 8. Corey Horsburgh, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine (c), 11. Hudson Young, 12. Zac Hosking, 13. Jayden Brailey, 14. Owen Pattie, 15. Ata Mariota, 16. Morgan Smithies, 17. Jed Stuart, 18. Chevy Stewart, 19. Jordan Uta, 20. Coby Black, 21. Vena Patuki-Case, 22. Ethan Alaia

Sydney Roosters: 1. James Tedesco (c), 2. Billy Smith, 3. Hugo Savala, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Cody Ramsey, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Naufahu Whyte, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Siua Wong, 13. Victor Radley, 14. Connor Watson, 15. Spencer Leniu, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Salesi Foketi, 18. Reece Foley, 19. Egan Butcher, 20. Benaiah Ioelu, 21. Tom Rodwell, 23. Mark Nawaqanitawase

Match Preview

The Raiders vs Roosters fixture will always have people thinking back to the controversial Six Again Grand Final. Since that match, the rivalry between the two clubs has been fiery, with many competitive contests unfolding in the years that followed. Friday night in Canberra should be no different.

The Raiders have the luxury of back-to-back home games, coming off an impressive 26–12 win over the Cowboys on a chilly Sunday afternoon. That confidence-boosting victory kept them in 12th place on the ladder, but only four points outside the top eight, with a bye up their sleeve — something teams above them have already had.

The Roosters, meanwhile, looked off their game last Saturday evening in Melbourne, losing 18–4 to the Storm. Teams of the Roosters’ quality tend to respond strongly to setbacks, and it’s often the following opponent that bears the brunt. However, they won’t hit the panic button — poor performances are inevitable across a 27-round season — and they still sit comfortably in third spot.

In team news, Canberra centre Sebastian Kris was outstanding against the Cowboys, scoring a double and causing constant problems. Unfortunately, Kris suffered a concussion and will miss Friday’s clash under the protocols. This forces another reshuffle, with Daine Laurie named to replace him in the centres — adding to a season where he has filled roles at five-eighth, lock, and off the bench. His versatility has proven invaluable amid the Raiders’ injury challenges. Jayden Brailey also returns from concussion protocols and is named to start at lock.

Trent Robinson has resisted making changes after last week’s lacklustre display, naming the same side. Cody Ramsey remains on the wing while Mark Nawaqanitawase continues his recovery from an ankle injury suffered in Round 9. Named in jersey No. 23, he is a chance to return, which would provide a significant boost to the Roosters’ attacking options.

Both teams have key players missing across the outside backs, so the spotlight shifts to the spine battle. Each side fields a strong combination at fullback, five-eighth, halfback, and hooker.

At fullback, Kaeo Weekes faces off against James Tedesco. Tedesco continues to perform at an elite level, while Weekes has emerged as one of the most exciting players in the competition, capable of breaking games open with his speed and attacking instincts.

In the halves, Daly Cherry-Evans has settled into the Roosters lineup, complementing Sam Walker’s strong season. Walker’s form, highlighted at Origin level, makes him a major threat — particularly against a Raiders side that has struggled defensively against halves.

They face the young pairing of Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders. Strange continues to impress with his game awareness and ability to shift momentum, while Sanders is showing growing composure, improving week by week with his game management and playmaking.

At hooker, Tom Starling continues to elevate his game, with competition from Brailey and Owen Pattie pushing him to improve. Reece Robson provides consistency for the Roosters, offering strong defence, smart kicking from dummy-half, and a threat close to the line.

This shapes as a difficult game to predict. Canberra have shown they can produce strong performances, like last week against the Cowboys, but have also been inconsistent. Even at home, the edge slightly favours the Roosters, who will be motivated to bounce back.

The last two meetings between these sides were both decided by just two points, and this looks set to follow a similar script — a tight, hard-fought contest that could go down to the wire.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Roosters by 4
Full Round 14 tips → /nrl-round-14-predictions/
Bold call: Sam Walker scores a try as the Raiders’ halves defensive issues continue.

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Chris Petrie

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