SATURDAY, MAY 10th, 2025
Raiders v Bulldogs,
GIO Stadium, Canberra.3pm
There’s a special kind of energy brewing in the nation’s capital this Saturday afternoon — the kind that only comes when two red-hot teams collide at the peak of their powers.
Canberra will play host to a blockbuster showdown as the Raiders, fresh off a heart-stopping golden point victory over the Storm, prepare to face the ladder-leading Bulldogs. Earlier that same day, the Bulldogs had flexed their attacking muscle with a dominant six-try display against the Titans — setting the stage for a truly mouthwatering clash.
Their 2024 encounters were thrillers in every sense: a 24-20 Magic Round victory to the Raiders followed by a 22-18 revenge win for the Bulldogs at Belmore. Just four points separated the sides on both occasions, and fans are expecting nothing less than another classic.
After missing out on finals footy last year, the Raiders have roared into the 2025 season with seven wins from nine starts. And now, in front of a sea of green at home, they’ll have their chance to prove they belong in the premiership conversation — against a side many believe could go all the way.
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. Manaia Waitere 19. Simi Sasagi 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Danny Levi
Unchanged
Bulldogs Face Tough Challenge with Key Changes
The Bulldogs will welcome back their star playmaker this week, with Matt Burton returning from suspension to slot straight into the No.6 jersey. His comeback pushes Bailey Hayward back to the bench, adding some spark to the interchange rotation.
But it’s not all good news for the blue and white. In a blow to their forward stocks, Jacob Preston has been rubbed out for four games after the judiciary found him guilty of a crusher tackle. His absence will force a reshuffle in the pack — a test of the Bulldogs’ depth and resilience as they face one of their toughest challenges yet.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Bailey Hayward 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Blake Wilson 21. Lipoi Hopoi 22. Luke Smith 23. Drew Hutchison
Note: Jacob Preston fronted the NRL Judiciary 6pm Tuesday and has been stood down for 4 weeks.
Out: Blake Taaffe (bench to reserve)
In: Matt Burton (five-eighth)
Changes: Bailey Hayward (five-eighth to bench)
Referees, Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Michael Wise, Jarrod Cole, Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Key Stats
The Raiders have won nine of their past 10 games against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have not won at GIO Stadium since 2015.
Raiders second-rower Hudson Young has scored six tries in his last four games at GIO Stadium.
Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton has scored nine tries in seven games against the Raiders.
Raiders centre Matt Timoko has scored four tries in his last four games against the Bulldogs.
NZ Warriors v St George Dragons, WIN Stadium, Sydney.5.30pm
Warriors Set to Make a Statement in Wollongong
Few could have predicted the Warriors’ rise in 2025, but here they are — flying high in third place on the ladder, powered by a bruising forward pack and the electric form of halfback Luke Metcalf. The dynamic No.7 has been the architect of the Warriors’ free-flowing attack, weaving his magic and dictating terms with confidence. On Saturday night, he’ll be eyeing another big performance as he looks to unlock the Dragons’ defence.
While WIN Stadium hasn’t been a happy destination for the Warriors in years past, recent form suggests this team has turned a corner. Andrew Webster’s men have found their groove on the road, chalking up three wins from their last four games on Australian soil — none more thrilling than last week’s Magic Round nail-biter against the Cowboys.
In a welcome boost, fan-favourite Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been named for his first appearance of the season, returning from a fractured and dislocated wrist suffered in the Pre-Season Challenge. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is inching closer to a comeback, listed among the reserves as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain.
The team has seen some reshuffling too — Kurt Capewell moves out wide to cover for the injured Rocco Berry in the centres, while young forward Jacob Laban is back on the bench after clearing concussion protocols. Ed Kosi, meanwhile, has been sidelined with a chest injury.
With belief building and reinforcements returning, the Warriors will be looking to make a statement under the Saturday night lights.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Taine Tuaupiki 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Jackson Ford 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Te Maire Martin 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Tanner Stowers-Smith 22. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 23. Eddie Ieremia
Out: Rocco Berry (centre), Edward Kosi (wing)
In: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (wing), Jacob Laban (bench)
Changes: Marata Niukore (front row to second row), Kurt Capewell (second row to centre), Jackson Ford (bench to front row)
Dragons Eye Bounce-Back Win at WIN Stadium
The Dragons are itching to light up Wollongong with a win as they return to WIN Stadium on Saturday night, eyeing a bounce-back performance against a surging Warriors outfit.
It’s been a mixed run for Shane Flanagan’s side — they claimed a gritty victory over the Titans at this very ground in Round 6, but back-to-back losses have since stalled their momentum. Now, under the spotlight of Women in League Round, the Red V will be desperate to right the course.
History offers a glimmer of hope. The Dragons have taken four of their past six clashes with the Warriors, and they’ll be counting on seasoned campaigners Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook to set the tone early and steady the ship. With their home crowd behind them and pride on the line, expect the Dragons to come out swinging.
Dragons
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Corey Allan 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lyhkan King-Togia 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Dylan Egan 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Jack de Belin 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 18. Nathan Lawson 19. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Blake Lawrie 22. Finau Latu
Out: Emre Guler (bench)
In: Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga (bench)
Referees, Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Wyatt Raymond, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Key Stats
The Dragons have won four of their past six games against the Warriors,
The Warriors have won three of their past four games in Australia.
The Dragons will play their 150th game at WIN Stadium.
The Warriors have won only three from 15 at WIN Stadium since 1995.
Dragons forward Luciano Leilua will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Cowboys v Panthers
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.7.35pm
The stage is set for a Saturday night showdown in Townsville, where the Cowboys are eyeing a triumphant homecoming and the Panthers arrive hungry to climb the NRL ladder.
After stringing together four straight wins, North Queensland’s charge was halted last weekend in heartbreaking fashion — a late surge fell just short against the Warriors in a Magic Round thriller. But now, with the comforts of Queensland Country Bank Stadium awaiting, the Cowboys have a golden chance to bounce back in front of their home faithful.
Leading the charge will be the ever-intimidating Jason Taumalolo, who was back to his rampaging best last round. He’ll be tasked with setting the tone early, laying the platform for his side to regain their winning momentum.
With co-captain Reuben Cotter sidelined for two matches following a careless high tackle, Sam McIntyre steps into the starting role at lock. Meanwhile, big man Thomas Mikaele joins the bench, bringing fresh energy to a Cowboys pack ready to go toe-to-toe with the reigning premiers.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Zac Laybutt 19. Thomas Duffy 20. Semi Valemei 21. Karl Lawton 22. Kai O’Donnell
Out: Reuben Cotter (lock)
In: Thomas Mikaele (bench)
Changes: Sam McIntyre (bench to lock)
Panthers Eye Back-to-Back Wins
After weeks of searching for their trademark rhythm, the Panthers may have finally found their spark. In a dazzling Magic Round display, Nathan Cleary turned back the clock with his finest performance of the season, orchestrating a confidence-boosting win over the Broncos that reminded everyone why Penrith remains a force to be reckoned with.
Now, as Women in League Round takes centre stage, the premiers are eyeing something they haven’t achieved all year — back-to-back victories. The momentum is building, and with a revitalised squad, the Panthers are ready to pounce.
Brian To’o returns to the wing for the first time since Round 4, having completed his recovery from a nagging hamstring injury. His inclusion adds punch to the edges, while the return of Mitch Kenny from suspension and Brad Schneider from an eye injury further solidifies the squad’s depth.
Thomas Jenkins shifts to the bench to accommodate the returning stars, with Trent Toelau, Luke Sommerton and Mavrik Geyer making way in a reshaped lineup that’s brimming with purpose — and potential.
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Luke Garner 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Thomas Jenkins 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Casey McLean 21. Daine Laurie 22. Trent Toelau
Out: Mavrik Geyer (bench), Trent Toelau (hooker to reserve), Luke Sommerton (bench to reserve)
In: Brian To’o (wing), Mitch Kenny (hooker), Brad Schneider (bench)
Changes: Thomas Jenkins (wing to bench)
Referees, Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Tyson Brough, Nick Pelgrave, Bunker, Chris Butler.
Key Stats
The Cowboys have won four of their past six games against the Panthers.
The Panthers have won only one of their past four games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Cowboys centre Jaxon Purdue has scored seven tries in his last six games.
Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored seven tries in six games against the Cowboys.
Cowboys prop Jason Taumalolo will play his 50th game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Raiders, Warriors… Not Penrith!
I will stick my neck out here and go for, Raiders, Warriors, and although Penrith were great last week, I can not stand them, so I will go for the Cowboys in a tight finish.
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