The Wests Tigers host the Canberra Raiders at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night, kicking off ANZAC Round.

Suffering a tense one-point loss to Brisbane last weekend, the coach is calling for a quick response in front of their home fans.

After a slow start to the season, the Raiders have found their stride in recent weeks with back-to-back wins over the Rabbitohs and the Storm.

They are a side finding consistency and learning how to close out tight contests.

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

Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Raiders go into this game without two of their best forwards Hudson Young and Josh Papalii, which is a huge blow to their forward pack.

Noah Martin steps back into the starting lineup, and Hosking will step into the left back row spot, and Ata Mariota steps into the shoes of Papalii.

Even with controlling possession, field position, and plenty of attacking opportunities against Brisbane, they couldn’t get the job done.

Despite history indicating the Raiders will continue to get the job done against the Tigers, the Tigers get troops returning in the backline and needed experience that pushed Makasini and his poor defence out of the side.

Betting tip: Wests Tigers.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Canberra are going to be figuring out combinations and defensive patterns with a new backrow pairing, and Kai Pearce-Paul has found success this season attacking opponents’ left edge defence.

The last time he played the Canberra Raiders, he was able to score a try and with how fast the Tigers play, they could shift the ball to their edge and find KPP for the first try of the game.

Betting tip: Kai Pearce-Paul.

Over/Under Prediction

Nine of the last ten night matches between the Wests Tigers and the Canberra Raiders have gone under the total.

Betting tip: Under (49.5) match points.

Line Prediction

The underdog has covered the line in eight of Canberra’s last nine matches.

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders (+5.5) line.

Tigers vs Raiders Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Sunia Turava

Sunia Turava has scored at least one try in each of his last five Thursday appearances.

Samuela Fainu

The Raiders have allowed 51% of the opposing teams’ tries on their right edge, and with an inexperienced backrower defending Fainu, the Tigers could explore their left edge attack. 

Simi Sasagi

In each of Canberra’s last three matches at Leichhardt Oval, their starting right centre has scored a try. 

Ethan Strange

Ethan Strange has scored a try in each of the Raiders’ last three matches.

The five-eighth has also scored one try in three of the Raiders’ last four matches against the Tigers.

Tigers vs Raiders Teams

Wests Tigers Team List

1. Jahream Bula

2. Sunia Turava

3. Taylan May 

4. Starford To’a

5. Luke Laulilii

6. Jarome Luai

7. Adam Doueihi 

8. Terrell May

9. Apisai Koroisau (c)

10. Fonua Pole

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Kai Pearce-Paul

13. Alex Twal

14. Jock Madden

15. Sione Fainu

16. Royce Hunt

17. Alex Seyfarth

18. Patrick Herbert

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. Ata Mariota

9. Tom Starling

10. Joseph Tapine (c)

11. Zac Hosking

12. Noah Martin

13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Jayden Brailey

15. Daine Laurie

16. Joe Roddy

17. Morgan Smithies

18. Chevy Stewart

Tigers vs Raiders Match Details

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST.

Location: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney.