A finals-chasing Rabbitohs side heads to Canberra looking to strengthen its top-eight credentials, while the Raiders aim to build on their best performance of the season. With both teams carrying momentum and key playmakers returning, Saturday’s clash at GIO Stadium could have a major bearing on the run home.

Read Full Previews

Matchday Details

Saturday, 18 July 2026 – 3:00pm AEST – GIO Stadium, Canberra
📺 Foxtel / Kayo
Referee: Wyatt Raymond | Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Canberra Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Jed Stuart, 3. Simi Sasagi, 4. Matthew Timoko, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Ethan Strange, 7. Ethan Sanders, 8. Corey Horsburgh, 9. Owen Pattie, 10. Joseph Tapine (c), 11. Hudson Young, 12. Noah Martin, 13. Zac Hosking, 14. Tom Starling, 15. Ata Mariota, 16. Josh Papalii, 17. Daine Laurie, 18. Savelio Tamale, 19. Morgan Smithies, 20. Coby Black, 21. Joe Roddy, 22. Sione Finau

South Sydney Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew Dufty, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Tallis Duncan, 4. Jack Wighton, 5. Campbell Graham, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Ashton Ward, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Keaon Koloamatangi, 11. David Fifita, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Cameron Murray (c), 14. Jye Gray, 15. Lachlan Hubner, 16. Liam Le Blanc, 17. Jamie Humphreys, 18. Latrell Siegwalt, 19. Bronson Garlick, 20. John Radel, 21. Thomas Fletcher, 22. Edward Kosi

Match Preview

Three weeks ago, Canberra entered their Round 17 clash against St George Illawarra in second-last position. The scrappy 24-16 win over the Dragons looked every bit the “Spoon Bowl”, with the Raiders arguably lucky to have a runaway try to Xavier Savage awarded. After a Round 18 bye, the Raiders turned in their most complete performance of the season (helped by Josh Papalii and Noah Martin returning), beating Canterbury-Bankstown 40-16 (with a hat-trick to Zac Hosking). A try-saving tackle by Martin on Jethro Rinakama led to Savage running away to open the scoring, and Canberra turned that opportunity into a 22-0 half-time lead. The dominant Raiders also had the luxury of playing their NSW Origin pair Ethan Strange (33 minutes) and Hudson Young (56 minutes) off the bench. Now in 12th place, a late finals run seems unlikely (but not impossible), though they can start building momentum for 2027 and improve their poor home record.

In that same three week timeframe, Souths (sixth) have beaten Parramatta (32-12), Newcastle (26-24), and lost to Penrith (36-14). Jai Arrow’s birthday celebrations were a big motivator against the Knights, leading 26-6 after 65 minutes before weathering a Kalyn Ponga-led fightback. Souths were probably fortunate to win, with Newcastle having three tries disallowed in the first half alone, while Dominic Young fumbled a Dane Gagai pass with the tryline open. Wayne Bennett chose to start Matthew Dufty at fullback, with Jye Gray coming on for the injured Dayne Jennings after 16 minutes. Souths have plenty to play for as they aim to make finals for the first time since 2022. With testing games against Melbourne, Cronulla-Sutherland, the Warriors, and the Sydney Roosters ahead, a win here will make their finals spot a little more secure.

Strange and Young return to the starting side for Canberra, Seb Kris’ hamstring injury means Jed Stuart remains on the wing, and Savelio Tamale returns to the bench. For Souths, Alex Johnston replaces Jennings (with Dufty staying at fullback ahead of Gray), while Cody Walker is back from suspension.

Their most recent meeting was Canberra’s 36-34 win in Perth (with Canberra leading 24-4 and 36-22). Raiders fans will have fond memories of their last clash in Canberra: a 36-12 win to celebrate Josh Papalii’s 319th game, with the milestone man scoring a double and kicking a goal. Canberra lead the head-to-head 39-24.

The key match up is between two hookers with varying experience. In his second season of first grade, Owen Pattie has shown admirable patience and maturity to earn the starting 9 jersey. He started the season in NSW Cup (with Jayden Brailey the back up hooker to Tom Starling), but he showed he was too good for that level and was back in first grade by Round 9. Pattie’s impact really began when he overtook Starling as starting hooker against Melbourne (Round 16), with Canberra leading 16-0 after 20 minutes. He’s likely to stay as starting hooker for the rest of the season (and Starling coming off the bench). Arguably Pattie’s biggest weapon is his 40/20 kicking: he’s kicked five in his 35 games, including two last weekend against Canterbury.

After overcoming a combination of off-field issues and injuries at Souths, Brandon Smith is finally back playing regular first grade (eight games so far this season), and seems to have rediscovered his hunger. Smith’s experience is vital for Souths as they’ve had injuries to key players, including Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, and Johnston. How influential will that experience be against his younger opposite number?

The momentum and confidence from the Canterbury win and the home ground advantage could be enough for Canberra to win a tight one.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Raiders by 2.
Full Round 20 tips → /nrl-round-20-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Owen Pattie to score a try from dummy half.

Want to try your hand at writing match previews?
We’re always looking for new rugby league contributors to share their thoughts on upcoming NRL games.
No experience needed — just strong opinions and a love of the game
👉 Get started here

Subscribe to our weekly tips

We'll send you our weekly predictions once they're posted to Rugby League Zone!

No spam, you can cancel at any time.

Previous articlePanthers vs Broncos Preview (Round 20, 2026): Team News, Team Lists & Prediction
Next articleNRL Round 20 Tips & Predictions 2026: Expert Picks for Every Game
Andrew Pelechaty
Web Content Editor for Rugby League Zone.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.