Bulldogs v Raiders: Preston in the mix; Papalii returns
The Bulldogs are out to continue their mid-season resurgence as they host a desperate Raiders side on Saturday evening.
After a slow start to the year, Canterbury have surged up the ladder with four wins from their past five games.
The form surge has coincided with captain Stephen Crichton's shift from centre to five-eighth, with Matt Burton moving to the centres in a bid to unlock his running game.
The shift has paid dividends, with Crichton playing a key role in the Bulldogs' Round 17 win over the Titans before last week's bye.
The Bulldogs claimed a tight win over Raiders in Canberra earlier this season and Ricky Stuart's men are desperate to return the favour at Accor Stadium on Saturday.
Last year's minor premiers have struggled to repeat that effort in 2026 but they have strike across the park and have shown they can match it with the top teams in the competition.
The recent return of Simi Sasagi from injury has provided a major boost, with the Samoan international a bright spot in a tough season for the Raiders.
Time is running out for the side to mount a late bid for the finals and they need a win on Saturday to keep in touch with the top eight.
Match: Bulldogs v Raiders
Round 19 -
home Team
Bulldogs
10th Position
away Team
Raiders
13th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Bulldogs: Winger Jacob Kiraz has been named to play despite suffering a rib injury in the Round 17 win over the Titans. Back-rower Jacob Preston is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from an arm injury suffered against the Storm in Round 12. Skipper Stephen Crichton looks set to back up from Origin Three in his new gig at five-eighth.
Raiders: Coach Ricky Stuart has named Ethan Strange at five-eighth pending how much game time he gets in Origin Three and how his ankle holds up after he rolled it during the Blues camp. Hudson Young has also been named to back up after the decider. A huge boost in the pack with Josh Papalii returning from a calf injury while back-rower Noah Martin (ankle) is in line for his first game since Round 8. Seb Kris replaces youngster Savelio Tamale, who had a horror day on the wing against the Dragons before the bye. Daine Laurie returns from a suspension on the bench.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Raiders is number 2 Sebastian Kris
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Matt BurtonCentre for Raiders is number 3 Simi Sasagi
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Enari TualaCentre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Jethro RinakamaWinger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Stephen CrichtonFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan GalvinHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Ethan Sanders
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Raiders is number 8 Corey Horsburgh
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey HaywardHooker for Raiders is number 9 Owen Pattie
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Josh Curran2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Noah Martin
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Harry HayesLock for Raiders is number 13 Zac Hosking
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt MannInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Alekolasimi JonesInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Ata Mariota
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Jack UnderhillInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Josh Papalii
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Lipoi HopoiInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Daine Laurie
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 19 Bronson XerriInterchange for Raiders is number 18 Chevy Stewart
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 20 Sean O'SullivanInterchange for Raiders is number 19 Morgan Smithies
Reserves
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Jacob PrestonReserve for Raiders is number 20 Coby Black
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Logan SpinksReserve for Raiders is number 21 Jed Stuart
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 23 Jed ReardonReserve for Raiders is number 22 Joe Roddy
Bulldogs Ins
- Jacob Preston
- Jed Reardon
- Logan Spinks
Raiders Ins
- Coby Black
- Daine Laurie
- Jed Stuart
- Joe Roddy
- Josh Papalii
- Noah Martin
Bulldogs Outs
Raiders Ins
- Jake Clydsdale
- Jayden Brailey
- Savelio Tamale
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won their last three games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders play their first game at Accor Stadium since 2023.
- The Bulldogs have won four of their last five games at Accor Stadium.
- Raiders hooker Tom Starling will play his 150th NRL game.
- Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has scored nine tries in his last seven games against the Raiders.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Kids go free during the school holidays! Get two kids tickets with every paying adult for Saturday's showdown between the Bulldogs and Raiders using the code KIDSGOFREE. Click here to access this exclusive offer before they sell out.
