The Canberra Raiders and St. George Illawarra Dragons play out a battle of the bottom two at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Three straight defeats have seen the Raiders slip to 16th on the ladder. Ricky Stuart's side was in complete control against Melbourne, leading 16-0 before eventually going down 42-20 in a second-half shutout last week. 

Meanwhile, the Dragons went down 22-20 to the Knights despite scoring more tries, marking a 17th defeat from their past 18 matches. 

Dean Young has stuck with the same starting 13 but has added Jacob Halangahu and Nick Tsougranis to the extended bench. 

A big boost for the hosts, with Simi Sasagi returning after missing the past five games, meaning Sebastian Kris has been dropped to the bench. Both meetings were won by the home side last season, but who takes this one?

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this scrap in the cellar, check out our Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons tips and predictions below.

Raiders vs Dragons Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The Raiders host a Dragons side still finding its feet under interim coach Dean Young.

Canberra have had its moments of life this season, but after their losses to the Eels and then the Storm after having a massive lead on them, there are loud reasons why they are second last on the table above the one-win Dragoons.

With the Raiders holding a significant home advantage and greater motivation, expect the Raiders to control the game from the forward pack and claim a comfortable win to keep their faint finals aspirations alive.

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

If there’s someone who will want to start hot and send an early message in this one, it’s Raiders star Ethan Strange.

He was dropped by NSW for an out of form Mitch Moses despite starring in Origin Game I and he will no doubt be eager to remind Laurie Daley he is ready and available for the decider. 

Strange has also scored at least one try in each of his last four appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder and since St George are the last side left lower than the Raiders, this really is the best time to pick him to pop up in the try scoring stats. 

Betting tip: Ethan Strange. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Seven of St. George Illawarra's last eight away matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (52.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

St. George Illawarra has covered the line in each of its last eight away matches against Canberra.

Betting tip: Dragons (+10.5) line. 

Raiders vs Dragons Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Valentine Holmes

Valentine Holmes has scored at least one try in each of his six previous away appearances against Canberra.

Kaeo Weekes

Kaeo Weekes has scored at least one try in each of Canberra's last four day matches at GIO Stadium Canberra.

Setu Tu

Setu Tu has scored a try in four of St. George Illawarra's last five matches outside of Sydney.

Hudson Young

Hudson Young has scored at least one try in four of Canberra's last five matches against the team that was on the bottom of the ladder.

Raiders vs Dragons Teams 

Canberra Raiders Team List 

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Savelio Tamale

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Corey Horsburgh

9. Owen Pattie

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Hudson Young

12. Zac Hosking

13. Jayden Brailey

14. Tom Starling

15. Ata Mariota

16. Morgan Smithies

17. Sebastian Kris

18. Chevy Stewart

St George Illawarra Dragons Team List 

1. Clint Gutherson

2. Setu Tu

3. Mathew Feagai

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Tyrell Sloan

6. Daniel Atkinson

7. Kyle Flanagan

8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

9. Damien Cook (c)

10. Toby Couchman 

11. Dylan Egan 

12. Hamish Stewart

13. Ryan Couchman

14. Jacob Liddle

15. Emre Guler

16. Josh Kerr

17. Luciano Leilua

18. Jacob Halangahu

Raiders vs Dragons Match Details 

Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026. 

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST. 

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.