Bulldogs v Raiders: Kiraz good to go; Papalii, Martin return
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
11th Position
away Team
Raiders
12th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: Bronson Xerri comes into the centres 90 minutes before kick-off with Enari Tuala dropping out due to illness. Kurt Mann will start at hooker and Bailey Hayward goes to the bench in a late swap. Jacob Preston is part of the six-man bench as he returns from a broken arm. Jacob Kiraz has overcome a rib injury and will take his place while skipper Stephen Crichton backs up from Origin Three.
Raiders: Ethan Strange will come from the bench and Daine Laurie starts at five-eighth. Fellow NSW Blue Hudson Young will also come from the bench with Ata Mariota to start. Coby Black joins the interchange bench. A blow for the Green Machine on Friday with Seb Kris suffering a hamstring injury at training. His place is being taken by Jed Stuart. Forward leader Josh Papalii and Noah Martin are on track to return from injury and will provide added punch up front. Youngster Savelio Tamale will play centres in NSW Cup and look to find some confidence after a tough day under the high ball against the Dragons.
Match: Bulldogs v Raiders
Round 19 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Raiders
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 5 Xavier Savage
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Matt BurtonCentre for Raiders is number 3 Simi Sasagi
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 19 Bronson XerriCentre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Jethro RinakamaWinger for Raiders is number 21 Jed Stuart
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Stephen CrichtonFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 17 Daine Laurie
-
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 14 Kurt MannHooker 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 12 Noah Martin
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jaeman Salmon2nd Row for Raiders is number 15 Ata Mariota
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Harry HayesLock for Raiders is number 13 Zac Hosking
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey HaywardInterchange for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Jack UnderhillInterchange for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 20 Sean O'SullivanInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 21 Jacob PrestonInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Josh Papalii
Reserves
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 15 Alekolasimi JonesReserve for Raiders is number 19 Morgan Smithies
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 17 Lipoi HopoiReserve for Raiders is number 20 Coby Black
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.
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