As Round 15 of the NRL season approaches take a look at the game between Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors which is to be played at GIO Stadium on Friday. Canberra Raiders are the favourites for the game which is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm. We preview the upcoming Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors game and give you the latest odds, tips and teams.
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.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Canberra Raiders to win at $1.48 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Albert Hopoate at $11.
Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors Teams
Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Nick Cotric 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Matt Frawley 19. Danny Levi 20. Ata Mariota 21. Xavier Savage 22. Peter Hola
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Bayley Sironen 15. Josh Curran 16. Mitchell Barnett 17. Tom Ale 18. Ronald Volkman 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Brayden Wiliame 23. Zyon Maiu’u