Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs: Home turf key for Canberra

| Wednesday 18th March 2026, 12:01

Wednesday 18th March 2026, 12:01

Having both hauled in and then squandered 14-point gaps last week, reigning Minor Premiers Canberra Raiders head to Mount Smart on Friday to face the New Zealand Warriors in Round 2 of the NRL Premiership (19:00 local, 07:00 GMT, Watch NRL).

Both teams arrive on the back of wins first up, with the Raiders again on the road after their golden-point success at Manly last Saturday. My New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders predictions follow, with the latest team news and match odds from Betfred.

New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders Betting Tips

Canberra Raiders to win @ 5/6
Canberra Raiders 1-12 Points @ 23/10

*odds correct at time of publishing

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Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds

With Canberra enjoying home-field advantage this week, they are the 5/6 favourites to pick up the two points at home. The draw is 16/1, while the Bulldogs can be backed at 21/20 to land the victory.

The Raiders are 11/10 to cover the -2 handicap, while those who fancy a high-scoring game can back over 48.5 points at 10/11.

Team News

Queensland prop Josh Papalii is back after being sidelined with a concussion and he will start in the front row. Morgan Smithies moves to the bench, while Matthew Timoko is moved to 19th man.

Rugby League Odds

Bulldogs ace Enari Tuala has been named at centre in his first appearance of 2026, with Bronson Xerri omitted from the squad. Sean O'Sullivan is named as 19th man, but Cameron Ciraldo has no other major injuries to contend with.

Canberra Raiders to win @ 5/6

Last week's defeat to the Bulldogs will have been a wake-up call for Canberra, who finished top of the regular table in 2025.

Stuart's team were level at the break, but let their guard down to lose the second half 34-0. Thankfully for Canberra, they return home and that should be the difference between winning and losing.

The GIO Stadium is a difficult place to go, and Canberra have beaten the Bulldogs in six of their last 10 matches on home soil.

Canterbury may have been given last week off, but teams that have played in Las Vegas have usually taken a few weeks to find their groove, so take the home win this week.

Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs - Match Winner (80 Minutes)

Canberra Raiders

5/6

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.

Canberra Raiders 1-12 Points @ 9/4

The Bulldogs will take confidence from Canberra's collapse last week, and they are one of the best-coached teams in the NRL. They do most things well and it would be no surprise to see them make the Grand Final this season.

Ciraldo's team built their success in 2025 on elite defence and they conceded 414 points in 24 regular-season games, the fewest in the league. Their ability to hang in and relish the tough moments of a game means they should always be competitive, so take the Raiders to win this by a narrow margin.

Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs - Winning Margin 1-12

Canberra Raiders 1-12 Points

9/4

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.