Round 1 winners the Bulldogs will journey to Canberra to tackle a Raiders aspect trying to bounce again following a disappointing displaying in New Zealand.
After stealing a golden level win with an Ethan Sanders subject purpose of their opening sport, Ricky Stuart’s males have been totally outplayed 40-6 by a undermanned Warriors outfit.
At residence for the primary time this weekend, the Raiders will probably be hoping to indicate their followers extra of the metal that noticed them declare the minor premiership final yr.
Fresh off the bye following their nice escape in Las Vegas in opposition to the Dragons, the Bulldogs will probably be hoping to set a optimistic tone early within the match and study from their lapses in Round 1.
In that sport, skipper Stephen Crichton stood up with a golden level subject purpose to get the team off to a successful begin, however in opposition to a fire-up Raiders, the Dogs will should be on their sport all through.
Team News
Raiders: Representative prop Josh Papalii returns after being sidelined with concussion and can slot straight in to start out within the entrance row. Morgan Smithies strikes to the interchange bench. One minor change in Wednesday’s 24-hour team replace, with Jed Stuart changing Matt Timoko because the sixth participant on the Raiders bench. Owen Pattie drops out of the ultimate squad.
Bulldogs: Enari Tuala is available in for his first look of 2026, slotting in at centre with Bronson Xerri omitted. Tuala’s elevation to the beginning aspect brings in low season recruit Sean O’Sullivan to the prolonged bench because the nineteenth participant. No different adjustments from the aspect that bought the job executed in a detailed contest in opposition to the Dragons in Las Vegas. No late adjustments.
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have received 5 of their previous six video games in opposition to the Bulldogs at GIO Stadium.
- Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has scored 5 tries in his previous 5 video games.
- Raiders winger Xavier Savage has scored seven tries in his final seven video games at GIO Stadium.
- Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton has scored 10 tries in eight video games in opposition to the Raiders.
- Ricky Stuart will obtain the milestone of 300 video games as Raiders coach.
Stats provided by David Middleton, League Information Services, writer of the official annual of the NRL.
