The Bulldogs will be looking to continue their recent form to propel themselves into finals contention in a late season surge against a Raiders side that will be desperate to emulate their heroics of 2025.<\/p>\n
Make sure you’re there on Saturday as we celebrate Old Boys’ Day in a blockbuster double header with the NRLW side taking the field!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Download Your 2026 NRL Team Poster here!<\/a><\/p>\n As usual, there is plenty of team news, stats and info to unpack in our Round 19 Match Preview.<\/p>\n Teamlists and Team News\u00a0<\/p>\n Jacob Kiraz has been named to play despite suffering a rib injury in the Round 17 win over the Titans. 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n History vs Raiders and Last Time Out: Round 2, 2026<\/p>\n The Bulldogs and Raiders have battled on 77 occasions since 1982 – Canberra’s entry into the NSWRFL – with the Blue and Whites holding the ledger with 40 wins and a 52% winning rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n The rivalry between the two clubs peaked in the 1990s, with both sides winning Premierships and facing off in a number of fierce finals matches; which of course includes the 1994 Grand Final and the 1995 Preliminary Final.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n NRL Match Highlights: Bulldogs v Raiders – Round 3, 2026<\/p>\n In recent years, the Bulldogs have enjoyed some famous victories against the Raiders, including the memorable 22-18 win at Belmore Sports Ground in 2024 en route to the finals, and who could forget the incredible comeback win at GIO Stadium in Round 10 last season?<\/p>\n Last time out, it was a low scoring and soggy night in the nation’s capital when these two teams faced off in Round 3, with the Bulldogs grinding out a 14-10 victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n Connor Tracey was the hero that night, with his defensive prowess shutting out the Raiders in the final minute to secure the match.\u00a0<\/p>\n Key Match Up: Teammates Turn Rivals<\/p>\n Origin teammates become rivals in a three-day span with Stephen Crichton and Ethan Strange named to face off this weekend.<\/p>\n Crichton’s recent move to the no.6 jersey has propelled the Bulldogs to two consecutive victories, and the skipper will be aiming to make that three on the trot when he lines up against his Blues’ teammate.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Critta Sets Up Curran!<\/p>\n Since moving into the five-eighth role in Round 16, Crichton has scored a try, kicked eight goals (as well as a match-winning field goal) while forcing three dropouts. He’s also added in three try assists and nineteen points to boot.\u00a0<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Strange has had a strong season in lime green despite the Raiders’ current position having scored four tries, set up a further five while creating seven line breaks in his thirteen matches.\u00a0<\/p>\n Assuming both players will come out unscathed, keep an eye on the two number sixes to lead their side to victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n What They Said: Enari Tuala & Harry Hayes<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Enari Tuala Round 19 Media<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Harry Hayes Round 19 Media<\/p>\n
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