The Canberra Raiders will look to continue their late-season form when they host the Brisbane Broncos at GIO Stadium on Friday night. 

The Raiders' last meeting with the Broncos ended in a heartbreaking 29-28 golden-point qualifying final loss at home last season, but oh how times have changed for both sides. 

More recently, Canberra stunned the Sharks 24-20 on Saturday to keep its slim finals hopes alive. The club sits four points behind the eighth-placed Cowboys entering the round. 

Friday’s match will carry extra emotion after club legend Josh Papali’i announced his retirement during the week. 

Meanwhile, the Broncos slumped to their 15th loss of the season after going down 40-6 to the Warriors on Saturday. 

Corey Horsburgh has been recalled to Canberra’s bench, while Simi Sasagi comes back into the centres for Savelio Tamale after a brief injury setback. 

Hayze Perham replaces Reece Walsh for Brisbane after the star fullback suffered a season-ending syndesmosis injury.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this clash, check out our Raiders v Broncos tips and predictions below!

Raiders vs Broncos Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Two teams whose seasons are run and done kick-off NRL Round 25’s Friday night action when the Canberra Raiders welcome the Brisbane Broncos to town. 

It appears these two sides have been having a “who can fall harder from grace” competition this season.

The Raiders have traded last season’s minor premiership for 12th on the ladder, while Brisbane are on track to go from first to worst in the space of one season, with the once dismal Dragons now officially within striking distance. 

Yes, that’s right, if a run of very realistic results unfold, Brisbane will go from premiers to wooden spooners in what will be undoubtedly the worst premiership defence in NRL history. 

Brisbane have lost 12 of their last 13 matches and will now be without the services of Reece Walsh for the rest of the season. Yikes.

We’re tipping for the first result needed for Brisbane to win the spoon to take place here, with the Raiders recording a convincing win in front of their own. 

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Since finding his way back into the Raiders side, young Jed Stuart has been somewhat of a bright spark.

He has scored at least one try in each of his last four home appearances in the starting lineup and we’re tipping him to make it five from five with the first try of the day here. 

Betting tip: Jed Stuart.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the last seven matches between Canberra and Brisbane at GIO Stadium Canberra have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (51.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Canberra has failed to cover the line in six of their last seven matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Betting tip: Broncos (+10.5) line. 

Raiders vs Broncos Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Hayze Perham

In each of Canberra's last three matches, the opposition's starting fullback has scored a try.

Ethan Strange

Ethan Strange has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances at GIO Stadium against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Xavier Willison

Xavier Willison has scored a try in three of Brisbane's last four matches.

Xavier Savage

In each of Brisbane's last three matches, the opposition's starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Ezra Mam

Ezra Mam has scored a try in three of his four previous appearances against Canberra.

Matty Nicholson

Matty Nicholson has scored at least one try in three of his four previous home appearances in the starting lineup.

Raiders vs Broncos Teams 

Canberra Raiders Team List 

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Jed Stuart

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Josh Papalii

9. Owen Pattie 

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Zac Hosking

12. Matty Nicholson

13. Ata Mariota 

14. Tom Starling

15. Joe Roddy

16. Corey Bursburgh

17. Daine Laurie

18. Vena Patuki-Case

19. Savelio Tamale

Brisbane Broncos Team List 

1. Hayze Perham

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Deine Mariner

5. Grant Anderson

6. Ezra Mam 

7. Ben Hunt

8. Xavier Willison

9. Billy Walters

10. Payne Haas

11. Jaiyden Hunt

12. Jordan Riki

13. Pat Carrigan (c)

14. Blake Mozer

15. Aublix Tawha

16. Jack Gosiewski

17. Va'a Semu

18. Tom Duffy

19. Gehamat Shibasaki

Raiders vs Broncos Match Details 

Date: Friday, August 21, 2026. 

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEST. 

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.