The Canberra Raiders host the Melbourne Storm in the first Friday night fixture of the 2026 season at GIO Stadium, with the Storm travelling to Canberra for the first time in five years as they look to make up for their 2025 Magic Round defeat at the hands of the Raiders.

The Raiders-Storm matchup rarely fails to deliver, from the Magic Round epic last year, to the 2022 elimination final and the 2019 preliminary final decided by a late try.

Friday’s clash will be a milestone occasion for Nick Meaney, who celebrates his 100th game for the Storm.

The Raiders finally bring back Matt Timoko into their lineup, with Sebastian Kris replacing Savelio Tamale who has been dropped to NSW Cup.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this match, check out our Raiders vs Storm tips and predictions below.

Raiders vs Storm Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Raiders barely survived the contest against the Rabbitohs in Perth, winning 36-34 in a 70-point showdown, while Melbourne lost their fourth game in a row in ugly fashion against the New Zealand Warriors.

Canberra will look for Kaeo Weekes and Hudson Young to expose Melbourne’s defence, as they will be hoping to replicate the attacking football that helped them win in round 6.

Melbourne have been dominated through the middle in recent weeks, with their pack pushed around, a concerning trend heading into a game against the Raiders side whose greatest strength lies in their middle-third power game.

We predict the Raiders to maintain the spark of confidence they just found, as the Storm are a poor performer under lights, winning just 45% of their night games.

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Hudson Young has scored three tries over the last three games, with a double against the Rabbitohs and we expect Young to find ways through the Storm’s defence and score first. 

 Betting tip: Hudson Young.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of Melbourne's last six matches at GIO Stadium Canberra have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (48.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Melbourne has failed to cover the line in each of its last seven matches against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

 Betting tip: Raiders (+2.5) line.

Raiders vs Storm Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Ethan Strange

Ethan Strange has scored a try in each of Canberra's last two matches.

Joseph Tapine

Melbourne have struggled in their middle-third and with a Raiders team that like to attack with their middles, Joseph Tapine could be a shining light against the Storm attacking one of their weaknesses.

Sualauvi Fa’alogo

Sualauvi Fa'alogo has scored at least one try in each of Melbourne's last three away matches.

Will Warbrick

Will Warbrick has scored at least one try in each of his last four away appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Raiders vs Storm Teams

Canberra Raiders Team List

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Sebastian Kris

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Jed Stuart

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Josh Papalii

9. Tom Starling

10. Joseph 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

Melbourne Storm Team List

1. Sualauvi Fa’alogo

2. Will Warbrick

3. Jack Howarth

4. Nick Meaney

5. Manaia Waitere

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Stefano Utoikamanu

9. Harry Grant (c)

10. Josh King

11. Joe Chan

12. Cooper Clarke

13. Trent Loiero

14. Tyran Wishart

15. Alec MacDonald

16. Jack Hetherington

17. Davvy Moale

18. Shaun Blore

Raiders vs Storm Match Details

Date: Friday, April 17, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT.

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.