GIO Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 15 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday June 9, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Where: GIO Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors Odds

Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors Preview

This vital clash between sixth-placed Canberra and the seventh-placed Warriors will be played against the backdrop of Jarrod Croker’s 300th NRL game – though the club legend’s milestone has inadvertently been affected by some negative publicity.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart’s contentious decision to rest Croker last week in order to play his 300th at home put pressure on his side, who blew an 18-0 lead with 12 minutes left against Wests Tigers before escaping with a 20-19 win thanks to a fortuitous late penalty goal.

It was the Green Machine’s seventh win from eight games – with all seven coming by eight points or less. Jamal Fogarty was the star against the Tigers, his boot producing all three Raiders tries, two of which he scored himself.

Croker’s return sees Albert Hopoate move back to the wing and Nick Cotric go to the bench, while Elliott Whitehead (suspension) and fullback Seb Kris (head knock) are back.

Corey Horsburgh, who is chasing a Queensland Origin debut, reverts to lock.

After muddling their way through the first 50 minutes last week against a weakened Dolphins side, the Warriors romped to their biggest win of 2023 after Shaun Johnson’s second dazzling solo try opened the floodgates for just their second victory in six games.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan and the returning Mitch Barnett were also outstanding, but the Warriors need to ice their early opportunities.

With centre Rocco Berry out due to concussion, coach Andrew Webster has thrown a debut to 20-year-old Ali Leiataua – who is likely to line up against Canberra powerhouse Matt Timoko.

The teams’ last 10 clashes have been split five apiece.

Last season Johnson kicked a golden point field goal in a 21-20 result in Round 8 in Redcliffe after a controversial late penalty foiled the Raiders, who prevailed 26-14 in Canberra in Round 19.

The Warriors have won three of their last four at GIO Stadium. They are also 9-4 against the line in 2023. The Raiders are 3-2 at home this season and 6-7 against the line overall.

Canberra’s inability to put an 80-minute performance together opens the door for an upset for the more composed, defensively disciplined Warriors, who have found a knack of piling on quick points of late.

Five of their last 10 clashes were decided by four or less and this has the makings of a cliff-hanger.

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