FRIDAY, JUNE 20th, 2025 CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS CENTRE, SYDNEY, 8pm.
In a 2025 NRL season defined by chaos, comebacks, and the tightest ladder in recent memory, the Wests Tigers find themselves balanced precariously between promise and peril.
Just one win separates Benji Marshall’s side from the foot of the ladder—and just one more would see them break into the top eight. It’s a position that perfectly captures the Tigers’ rollercoaster campaign: exciting, unpredictable, and constantly on edge.
The arrival of premiership-winners Jarome Luai, Sunia Turuva, and enforcer Terrell May has undeniably lifted the club’s standards. There’s a sharper edge to their attack, a toughness through the middle, and a genuine sense of belief starting to flicker at Concord. But the challenge ahead is real—and it starts with the high-flying Canberra Raiders.
A loss this weekend could prove costly, especially with a brutal three-week road stretch looming against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale, the Roosters at Allianz, and a resurgent Warriors outfit across the ditch in Auckland.
Luai, fresh off Origin duty, remains under an injury cloud with a short turnaround working against him—but all signs point to him being named in the No.7 jersey. Latu Fainu, who returned via the bench last week after a layoff, is expected to reclaim a starting role, pushing promising youngster Heath Mason back to the interchange. Up front, the Tigers are set to receive a timely boost, with workhorse Fonua Pole tracking well to return from injury.
For the Tigers, the path forward is steep—but the potential, finally, feels real. Whether that translates into results over the next month may define not just their season, but the early chapters of Benji’s rebuild.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a . 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Heath Mason 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau. 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva . 15. Sione Fainu 16. Latu Fainu 17. Jack Bird 18. Tony Sukkar 19. Charlie Murray . 20. Charlie Staines 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Izaac Tu’itupou
Out: Tanous Sukkar (second row to reserve), Charlie Murray (bench to reserve)
In: Fonua Pole (front row), Alex Twal (lock), Tallyn Da Silva (bench)
Changes: Sione Fainu (front row to bench), Alex Seyfarth (lock to second row)
Refreshed, recharged, and riding a wave of momentum, the Canberra Raiders return from their first bye of the season with one eye firmly fixed on a top-four finish—and perhaps something even bigger.
With a friendly stretch ahead—clashes against the Wests Tigers, Knights, and Dragons before another well-timed rest in Round 19—the Green Machine has a golden opportunity to consolidate their premiership credentials.
The blend of youth and experience is finally clicking into gear. Emerging stars are coming of age with confidence and flair, while seasoned campaigners Josh Papalii and Jamal Fogarty continue to guide the squad with calm authority. In a season where unpredictability has become the norm, Canberra’s consistency is proving a rare and valuable commodity. For the long-suffering Raiders faithful, talk of a return to glory—their first title since 1994—is beginning to feel more than just hopeful fantasy.
There’s a new chapter beginning this week too, as 19-year-old Jed Stuart, son of head coach and Raiders icon Ricky Stuart, prepares to make his NRL debut on the wing after Savelio Tamale was sidelined for three months with a knee injury. It’s a proud moment for the family—and a full-circle moment for the club.
Meanwhile, workhorse back-rower Hudson Young is expected to back up from Origin duties, reinforcing a squad brimming with belief and balance.
The Raiders have been building something quietly in the nation’s capital. Now, with destiny in their hands and legacy on the line, they’re ready to make noise.
Raiders
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris. 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling. 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh. 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Noah Martin. 19. Chevy Stewart 20. Danny Levi 21. Ethan Sanders 22. Pasami Saulo
Out: Savelio Tamale (wing)
In: Jed Stuart (wing]
Key Stats
The Tigers have won only one of their past nine games against the Raiders.
The Raiders have won their last five away games.
Wests Tigers winger Sunia Turuva has scored 10 tries in his last 12 games.
Raiders centre Sebastian Kris will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Wests Tigers have won only two out of seven home games this season.
Tip. The Tigers enjoyed a bye last week, after losing to the Panthers in a tight one the week before. The Raiders also had the week off after thumping the Rabbitohs. The Tigers are running out of opportunities to turn their season around, and the obstacles don’t come any tougher than the Raiders at the moment. The Tigers at their very best might be a Top 8 team, but the Raiders are genuine Top 4, premiership threats this year and should be too good in this, maintaining their pressure on the Bulldogs at the top of the ladder.
Referee: Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Jon Stone, Bunker, Badger
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