Raiders v Dragons preview

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Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons Saturday 5:30pm at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

The table-topping Raiders will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday when they face the Dragons in a game that, at least on paper, looks a complete mismatch.

Canberra has been incredibly consistent in the 2025 season, which is to be expected of a team that is sitting at the top of the ladder.

But considering the amount of youth in this squad, particularly in the key positions, it is impressive to see the way coach Ricky Stuart has kept them at the top of their game.

It didn't come easy last week though, with the Raiders holding off a fast-finishing Knights outfit 22-18 and it is far from the only scare Canberra has had in the past month or so, with the 36-12 win over the Rabbitohs the only real blowout - and the Bunnies led that one 12-0 early.

It is probably a good thing anyway that the Raiders aren't playing their best football at this time of the year, both in the sense that they are still finding ways to win and are also timing their run well ahead of September.

While the Raiders have been relatively unaffected by Origin this year outside of losing Hudson Young, they are without another key forward this week after Josh Papalii was selected for the Maroons.

That sees Corey Horsburgh switch to prop, with Morgan Smithies starting at lock and Simi Sasagi retaining his spot in the second row. Trey Mooney is the fresh face on the bench.

As for the Dragons, in an indictment of how close the competition is this year - at least in the battle for a spot in the bottom half of the top eight - they sit level with the eighth placed Dolphins.

Now, the Dolphins do have two extra byes up their sleeve but the sixth-placed Roosters, like the Dragons, have enjoyed all three bye rounds already and are just two points ahead of Shane Flanagan's men. 

A much-needed win over the Eels last week helped ease pressure, but with the Raiders, Roosters and Bulldogs on the horizon it could be short-lived relief for the Red V.

Only making matters worse, the Dragons lost three players to injury last week with Luciano Leilua (quad), Toby Couchman (shoulder), Nathan Lawson (scapula) and Hamish Stewart (concussion) all unavailable while Christian Tuipulotu also (hamstring) pulled up lame in the warm-up.

That sees Hame Sele, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Michael Molo, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Sione Finau and Tyrell Sloan all join the 17.

Last meeting: Round 27 2024 - Dragons 24 Raiders 26

Who to watch: No Young or Papalii means only more responsibility will fall onto the shoulders of skipper Joseph Tapine, but the loss of two experienced forwards also opens up an opportunity for Trey Mooney. The Raiders clearly think highly of Mooney, having extended him until the end of the 2027 season despite suggestions rival clubs could snap up the highly-rated forward. Mooney, unfortunately, has been a victim of Canberra's success this year, managing just two limited appearances this year and otherwise having to bide his time in reserve grade. It has been a step backwards from 2024, not in talent or ability, but just in the lack of playing time available. The best way to change that is making the most of opportunities like the one he will get on Saturday.

With news recently that he has been given permission to look elsewhere, it will be interesting to see what version of Tyrell Sloan turns up on Saturday for the Dragons. While obviously talented, Sloan has struggled for consistency throughout his career with a frame that makes it harder for him to offer much meterage from the back or resistance in defence. There is still some untapped potential though and for Sloan, this weekend's game is a chance to prove to potential suitors out there that he is worth taking a shot on.

Favourite: The Raiders are well-backed to maintain top spot on the ladder.

My tip: Even without a few experienced forwards, the Raiders - especially at home - should have far too much strike power and class for an unconvincing Dragons team. Raiders by 14.

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 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. Simi Sasagi 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Noah Martin 16. Trey Mooney 17. Ata Mariota 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Joseph Roddy 21. Danny Levi 22. Ethan Sanders

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Corey Allan 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 16. Hame Sele 17. Michael Molo 18. Blake Lawrie 19. Viliami Fifita 20. Nicholas Tsougranis 21. Lachlan Ilias 22. Jacob Halangahu

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;