An intriguing matchup to begin Round 3 with the Canberra Raiders hosting the Canterbury Bulldogs at GIO Stadium on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs are coming off a bye after narrowly escaping Las Vegas with a 15-14 golden point victory over the Dragons courtesy of Stephen Crichton’s match-winning field goal.

This means that they are playing only their second match in nearly three weeks. Meanwhile, the Raiders will look to bounce back after losing 40-6 to the rampaging Warriors in New Zealand, having opened their campaign with a golden point win of their own, at Manly.

Last year’s sole meeting between these teams saw the Bulldogs snap their five-match losing streak at GIO Stadium as they defeated the Raiders 32-20.

Only one change to report for both teams; the Raiders revert to their lineup from the opening round of the season, with Josh Papali’i back and Morgan Smithies going to the bench, while the Bulldogs have dropped Bronson Xerri, paving the way for Enari Tuala to start in the centres.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the opening match of NRL Round 3, check out our Raiders vs Bulldogs tips and predictions below.

Raiders vs Bulldogs Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

NRL Round 3 kicks off with the badly beaten Raiders welcoming the fully rested Bulldogs to the nation’s capital on Thursday night.

The Green Machine were rolled 40-6 across the ditch by the Warriors, in what is sure to be a massive wake up call for the reigning minor premiers.

We have a feeling another wake up call might be coming their way this week in the shape of recalibrated Canterbury.

The Bulldogs were the beneficiaries of the bye last week and with an opening round win and a subsequent full week’s rest under their belts, they are primed to inflict more misery on the faltering Raider’s machine.

Betting tip: Canterbury Bulldogs.

First Try Scorer Prediction

We’re backing the man who registered the final score of the Bulldogs first and so far, only, game of the season, to be the one to register the first score here.

Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton has scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances against Canberra, and we’re backing him to swap last-gasp field goals for early four-pointers here.

Betting tip: Stephen Crichton.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of the last four matches between Canterbury and Canberra outside of Sydney have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (49.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Canterbury has failed to cover the line in each of their last seven away matches.

Betting tip: Canberra (-0.5) line.

Raiders vs Bulldogs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Sebastian Kris

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

Jacob Kiraz

Jacob Kiraz has scored a try in each of Canterbury's last three matches.

Ethan Strange

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

Jaeman Salmon

Jaeman Salmon has scored a try in each of his last three appearances against Canberra

Hudson Young

Hudson Young has scored at least one try in each of Canberra's last two home matches against Canterbury.

Raiders vs Bulldogs Teams

Canberra Raiders Team List

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Savielo Tamale

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Sebastian Kris

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Josh Papali'i

9. Tom Starling

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Hudson Young

12. Noah Martin

13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Jayden Brailey

15. Zac Hosking

16. Ata Mariota

17. Morgan Smithies

18. Daine Laurie

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Enari Tuala

4. Stephen Crichton (c)

5. Marcelo Montoya

6. Matt Burton

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Samuel Hughes

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Jacob Preston

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Sitili Tupouniua

16. Harry Hayes

17. Josh Curran

18. Sean O'Sullivan

Raiders vs Bulldogs Match Details

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.