Fresh off the bye, the Raiders will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they take on a Dolphins side full of confidence.
Match details
- Who: Canberra Raiders vs Dolphins
- When: Saturday 29 April 3pm AEST
- Where: McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga
- Weather: max 18. Chance of rain 40%, 0 to 1mm
- Click here to buy tickets
- Head-to-head record: Played 1. Raiders 0 wins. Dolphins 1 win.
Raiders and Dolphins team lists
UPDATE: Mark Nicholls is a late out for the Dolphins and has been replaced by Kurt Donogoe on the bench.
The Raiders have made just the one change to their side, with Jordan Rapana replacing the injured Nick Cotric on the wing. Xavier Savage has been named on the reserves list and is set to play another game in the NSW Cup.
Kenny Bromwich returns in the front row for the Dolphins, while former Raider Anthony Milford has been named as a reserve as he aims to overcome a hamstring injury.
Season so far
Raiders 15th | 122 points for | 164 points against | 3 wins & 4 losses | BWWLL
Three weeks ago, the Raiders season was hanging by a thread, but two close wins heading into last week’s bye has given them some hope heading forward.
Canberra followed up their upset 20-14 win over the Broncos in Brisbane with another 20-14 win over the Dragons at home, although it was an absolute bludger of a game.
While the Raiders would’ve been happy to bank the two points, they didn’t play anywhere near their best and it took a couple of induvial efforts from Matt Timoko and Hudson Young to get the job done.
Jamal Fogarty has done a great job steering the side around the last couple of weeks, and with Jack Wighton announcing he’s off to the Rabbitohs next year, Canberra’s number 7 should be given full reigns for the remainder of 2023.
Dolphins 7th | 182 points for | 192 points against | 5 wins & 3 losses | WLWLL
The Phins have been one of the great surprises of the season and have already notched up a few famous victories in their short history.
The round one win over the Roosters was outstanding, but there was something special about their 26-point comeback over the Titans last week.
Trailing 26-0 late in the first half, the Dolphins produced a stirring second half performance to storm over the top of one of their fellow Queensland side.
Wayne Bennett has done a terrific job of make this side super competitive week in and week out, and they’ll be tough to beat all year if they maintain this level of effort.
History
- 2023 round 2: Dolphins 20 – 14 Raiders at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
These two have met just the once, with the Dolphins claiming a comeback 20-14 victory in heavy rain.
The Raiders led 12-0 late in the first half before Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored right on the half-time bell to give the Dolphins momentum heading into the break.
The Phins then got on top of the Raiders in the second half and Tabuai-Fidow scored again in the dying minutes to seal victory in their first outing at Redcliffe.
Pre match predictions
Don’t worry, be hoppy: Fresh off signing with the Rabbitohs for 2024, Jack Wighton will get on with the job for his current and score a try in a win. Raiders by 8.
Brain Fog: Jamal Fogarty to continue stepping up as dominant half and lead Canberra to a tough win with two tries/assists. Raiders by 6. – Denholm Samaras
Have any predictions of your own? Let us know in the comments below.
Other match details
Gates open at 10.45am
Jersey Flegg – Raiders vs Rabbitohs 11am
NSW Cup – Raiders vs Rabbitohs 12.40pm
The match will be broadcast live on Fox League and is also available to stream on Kayo. Overseas fans can watch via Watch NRL.
You can listen to the match on Raiders on Mix (Mix106.3 FM), Radio 2CC (1206 AM) and ABC Grandstand (666 AM).
