Raiders v Eels preview

Embed from Getty Images

Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels Saturday 3:00pm at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

Canberra Raiders and Parramatta Eels will lock horns once again this Saturday afternoon in chilly Canberra, with the home side boasting a dominant historical record over the Eels.

Since 1998, these clubs have met 41 times, with the Raiders claiming 24 victories. Recent history paints an even more one-sided picture: Canberra put the sword to the Eels twice in the past two seasons, notching up a brutal 50-12 win earlier this year and a 41-8 demolition in 2024. With the Raiders riding high on a seven-game winning streak and the Eels stumbling with four losses from their last five, the momentum is well and truly with the Green Machine.

Adding to the occasion is the Raiders' annual Forever Green celebration, with more than 50 club legends returning to GIO Stadium to honour the club's history. That sense of legacy and pride was already on full display in Round 18, when Canberra edged the Dragons 28-24 in a thrilling clash at home. Kaeo Weekes starred with a classy attacking performance, while hooker Tom Starling turned defence into offence with a crucial one-on-one strip. 

With Origin stars Josh Papalii and Hudson Young returning, Ricky Stuart has reshuffled his forward pack, shifting Corey Horsburgh to lock and giving Morgan Smithies and Simi Sasagi roles off the bench. There's a strong air of belief brewing in Canberra—and their loyal fans can sense something special building.

For Parramatta, belief seems in short supply at the moment. The Eels fell to Penrith 26-10 last week, despite showing promise early with tries to Kitione Kautoga and Zac Lomax. However, coach Jason Ryles raised eyebrows by shifting Dylan Brown to hooker—a move that did more harm than good to their attacking flow. 

With Brown relegated to 18th man this week, Ryles has placed his faith in Joash Papalii to wear the number 6 jersey and spark some attacking magic. The return of Ryley Smith from suspension at hooker may offer some structure, but a reshuffled forward pack—triggered by Kautoga's ankle injury—adds another question mark over the Eels' stability. Jack Williams moves to the back row and J'maine Hopgood to prop, while debutant Jordan Samrani joins the bench.

Last meeting: Round 6 2025 - Eels 12 Raiders 50

Who to watch: Veteran enforcer Josh Papalii returns full of confidence after Queensland's Origin triumph and the birth of his fourth child. Expect him to channel that energy into a rampaging performance up front. 

For the Eels, keep an eye on Joash Papalii—the young five-eighth now has the reins of the side, and his response under pressure could define Parramatta's direction moving forward.

Favourite: The Canberra Raiders are heavy favourites, according to the latest odds.

My tip: Raiders are simply in too strong a form to look past. With Origin stars back, past legends in the stands, and a red-hot home crowd behind them, they'll be too much for an unsettled Eels outfit. Canberra by 16.

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. Chevy Stewart 19. Trey Mooney 20. Noah Martin 21. Danny Levi 22. Ethan Sanders

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Bailey Simonsson 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali'i 7. Dean Hawkins 8. J'maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Charlie Guymer 12. Jack Williams 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Jordan Samrani 16. Matt Doorey 17. Sam Tuivaiti 18. Dylan Brown 19. Dan Keir 20. Toni Mataele 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Haze Dunster

Referees: Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Daniel Luttringer; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;