Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction – Qualifying Final 2025

The Canberra Raiders will look to secure a preliminary final on their home deck when they host the Brisbane Broncos at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The minor premiers will head into Sunday’s qualifying final refreshed after resting most of their first-choice 17 for the Round 27 clash with the Dolphins.

That resulted in a 62-24 defeat, meaning the Raiders have the task of defying history as they aim to become the first side to win the competition after conceding 50 points in a match during the season.

The Broncos will also be fresh following a 10-day turnaround after their victory over the Storm secured a top four finish.

No Adam Reynolds again for Brisbane, with Billy Walters and Ben Hunt remaining the halves pairing. Gehamat Shibasaki is back after being dropped due to breaching team standards, seeing Jesse Arthars relegated to 18th man.

These sides haven’t met since Round 2, when Canberra triumphed 32-22 at this venue.

Check out our Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos match preview for plenty of betting tips and predictions across a host of markets. From H2H to anytime try scorer and everything in between.

Looking for all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of this Qualifying Final? Check out our Raiders vs Broncos prediction below.

 

Raiders vs Broncos Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The final game of the first week of the 2025 NRL Finals sees minor premiers Canberra welcome the Broncos to the nation’s capital in the second Qualifying Final.

From would-be wooden spooners to minor premiers, silencing all the doubters in the process, the Raiders have been the team to beat all season long. Speaking of doubters, get ready to pick your jaws up off the floor, because despite that wrap, we are tipping the Broncos.

Why? Well, there are actually a number of reasons. Firstly, inspirational prop and Mr. Green Machine himself - Josh Paplii - is in doubt for this clash after injuring his ankle in training.

This coupled with the recent loss of speed demon Xavier Savage means Ricky’s Raiders are looking a little thin in certain areas.

Then there’s history, which shows that no team has ever won the comp after conceding 50 or more points in a regular season game.

Well, the Raiders second-string side had 62 dropped on them last week by the Dolphins, does that mean we have to put a red line through their finals hopes? That seems a little extreme, but stats like this have a strange way of holding strong in the world of Rugby League.

The main reason we’re backing the Broncos here though, is, well, the Broncos. Their form has been irresistible of late. Since losing both their starting halves in the same play over a month ago, they haven’t dropped a point.

Talk about a blessing in disguise. Fill-ins’ Ben Hunt and Billy Walters have been nothing short of superb and have found a way to bring Reece Wash into the attack in a way both Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam failed to do so.

With Reynolds set to return shortly, don’t be surprised to see him do so via the bench. There’s no way they’d want to change this winning formula, particularly if, as predicted, it yields another W this weekend.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos.

 

First Tryscorer Prediction

After last week’s efforts, Reece Lightning looks ready to strike early in this one. He was everywhere as his side overpowered the Storm to book a spot in the top four and has scored at least one try in each of Brisbane's last four matches.

Betting tip: Reece Walsh.

 

Line Prediction

Brisbane has covered the line in each of their last four matches.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos (+3.5).

 

Raiders vs Broncos Anytime Tryscorer Betting Tips

 

Ethan Strange

Ethan Strange has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances.

 

Kotoni Staggs

Kotoni Staggs has scored at least one try in three of Brisbane's last four matches.

 

Sebastian Kris

In each of Canberra's last three home matches, their starting left centre has scored a try.

 

Josiah Karapani

Josiah Karapani has scored a try in each of Brisbane's last four matches.

 

Jed Stuart 

In each of Canberra's last three home matches, their starting left wing has scored a try.

 

Savelio Tamale

Savelio Tamale has scored a try in each of Canberra's last three home matches against opponents from Queensland.

 

Raiders vs Broncos Teams

 

Canberra Raiders Team List

1. Kaeo Weekes 

2. Savelio Tamale

3. Matt Timoko

4. Sebastian Kris

5. Jed Stuart

6. Ethan Strange

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Josh Papalii 

9. Tom Starling

10. Joe Tapine

11. Hudson Young

12. Zac Hosking

13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Owen Pattie

15. Simi Sasagi

16. Morgan Smithies

17. Ata Mariota 

 

Brisbane Broncos Team List

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Deine Mariner

6. Billy Walters

7. Ben Hunt

8. Corey Jensen

9. Cory Paix

10. Payne Haas

11. Brendan Piakura

12. Jordan Riki

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Tyson Smoothy

15. Kobe Hetherington

16. Ben Talty

17. Jaiyden Hunt

 

Raiders vs Broncos Match Details

 

Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST.

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.