Fresh off the bye after sitting out Magic Round, the Canberra Raiders host the second of four straight home games when the Dolphins visit GIO Stadium on Thursday night. 

Canberra went down 30-18 to Penrith in their last outing, leaving the side at 4-6 and in the lower reaches of the ladder. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have surged into the top eight on the back of three straight wins, most recently a 32-10 victory over South Sydney. 

However, the visitors now face an Origin-hit period, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Plath and Thomas Flegler all selected for Queensland, while Kodi Nikorima also misses through a hamstring injury. Bradley Schneider replaces Nikorima at five-eighth. 

The Raiders will be without Origin representatives Hudson Young and Ethan Strange, while Zac Hosking returns to the second row with Simi Sasagi sidelined with a shoulder injury. 

Xavier Savage is set to return for his first match since Round 5. The sides split two high-scoring meetings last season, will we see plenty of tries in this one too?

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Round 12 opener, check out our Raiders vs Dolphins tips and predictions below.

Raiders vs Dolphins Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

After missing out on Magic Round due to their bye, Canberra get the honour of opening NRL Round 12 when they welcome the Dolphins to town on Thursday night.

The Phins secured a statement win over the Rabbitohs last week, which led Queensland coach Billy Slater to say, come September, they could be competition favourites. 

A huge call, but with their combinations gelling and their forward pack running off Isaiya Katoa to perfection, who are we to argue with one of the greatest strategical minds in the game.

This game of course will be affected by Origin, with Hudson Young, Ethan Strange, Selwyn Cobbo, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Thomas Flegler and Max Plath in Origin camp. 

Still, with Katoa dodging selection, and the Phins hitting top form, we’re tipping him to lead his side to victory away from home here. 

Betting tip: The Dolphins. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

It’s no coincidence that the Dolphins recent run of form has coincided with the return of this man. Jeremy Marshall-King has scored a try in three of his last four away appearances and adds a different dimension to the Phins attacking structure.

Yes, he’s a dummy half, but he’s as crafty as they come and presents an excellent option for first try scorer for all those punters hunting some serious value. 

Betting tip: Jeremy Marshall-King.

Over/Under Prediction 

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

Betting tip: Over (51.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

The Dolphins have covered the line in each of their last five matches.

Betting tip: Dolphins (-0.5) line. 

Raiders vs Dolphins Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Kaeo Weekes

Kaeo Weekes has scored a try in each of Canberra's last three matches.

Jack Bostock

Jack Bostock has scored at least one try in each of his last seven appearances in night matches.

Sebastian Kris

Sebastian Kris has scored a try in three of Canberra's last four home matches against teams on a winning streak.

Tevita Naufahu

In four of the Dolphins' last five matches, their starting left winger has scored at least one try.

Herbie Farnworth

Herbie Farnworth has scored a try in four of his last five interstate appearances.

Raiders vs Dolphins Teams 

Canberra Raiders Team List 

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Savelio Tamale

3. Sebastian Kris

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Xavier Savage

6. Daine Laurie

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Corey Horsburgh

9. Tom Starling

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Ata Mariota

12. Zac Hosking

13. Jayden Brailey

14. Owen Pattie

15. Jordan Uta

16. Morgan Smithies

17. Jed Stuart

18. Chevy Stewart

The Dolphins Team List 

1. Trai Fuller

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jack Bostock

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Tevita Naufahu

6. Brad Schneider

7. Isaiya Katoa (c)

8. Felise Kaufusi

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Francis Molo

11. Connelly Lemuelu

12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

13. Morgan Knowles

14. Kurt Donoghoe

15. Ray Stone

16. Tom Gilbert

17. Oryn Keeley

18. Brian Pouniu

Raiders vs Dolphins Match Details 

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.