The Canberra Raiders and South Sydney Rabbitohs will lock horns for the second time this season when they clash at GIO Stadium on Saturday. 

The Raiders claimed the first meeting 36-34 in a shootout during Round 6. With seven matches to play, the Raiders are still within reach of a top eight spot.. just, and they did their unlikely hopes no harm with a dominant 40-16 victory over the Bulldogs last Saturday. 

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs beat the Knights 26-24 on a special day for the club as it celebrated Jai Arrow’s birthday on Sunday. 

Hudson Young and Ethan Strange return to the starting side for the Raiders after coming off the bench against the Bulldogs. 

Alex Johnston returns from an injury layoff for the Rabbitohs and slots straight in for Dayne Jennings, who suffered a laceration to his leg. 

Cody Walker is back from suspension and replaces Jayden Sullivan at five-eighth, who is out with a head knock.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this battle in the nation’s capital, check out our Raiders vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below!

Raiders vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will look to stay in the race for the top four when they travel to the nation’s capital on Saturday to face the Raiders.

Meanwhile, operation “save some face” has been going well for the Green Machine who have won their last two games to move away from the foot of the ladder.

Their 40-16 away win against Canterbury last start was particularly impressive, as was lock Zac Hosking, who crossed for a quick-fire hat-trick out of seemingly nowhere. 

Despite this performance, we think a win over a South’s side set to welcome back assist machine Cody Walker from suspension is a bridge too far for the Raiders whose season was effectively over a month ago. 

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

The NRL’s try-scoring GOAT is back in action and that means he’s back in our bet slips too.

There’s nowhere Alex Johnston doesn’t like scoring tries and he has scored at least one try in each of his last seven appearances outside of Sydney.

We’re tipping him to make that eight straight with the first try in this one. 

Betting tip: Alex Johnston. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Five of the last six matches between Canberra and South Sydney have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (48.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

South Sydney have failed to cover the line in 12 of their last 16 matches against teams on a winning streak.

Betting tip: Raiders (+0.5) line. 

Raiders vs Rabbitohs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Xavier Savage

Xavier Savage has scored at least one try in each of Canberra's last three matches.

Tallis Duncan

Tallis Duncan has scored at least one try in three of South Sydney's last four away matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Simi Sasagi

Simi Sasagi has scored at least one try in three of his last four appearances against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Ethan Strange

Ethan Strange has scored at least one try in each of Canberra's last two matches against South Sydney.

Tom Starling

Tom Starling has scored a try in two of Canberra's last three home matches.

Raiders vs Rabbitohs 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. Corey Horsburgh

9. Owen Pattie

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Hudson Young

12. Noah Martin

13. Zac Hosking

14. Tom Starling

15. Ata Mariota

16. Josh Papalii 

17. Daine Laurie

18. Savelio Tamale

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List 

1. Matt Dufty

2. Alex Johnston

3. Tallis Duncan

4. Jack Wighton

5. Campbell Graham

6. Cody Walker

7. Ashton Ward

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Brandon Smith

10. Keaon Koloamatangi

11. David Fifita

12. Euan Aitken

13. Cameron Murray (c)

14. Jye Gray

15. Lachlan Hubner

16. Liam Le Blanc

17. Jamie Humphreys

18. Latrell Siegwalt

Raiders vs Rabbitohs Match Details 

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026. 

Kick-off: 3:00pm AEST. 

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.