Just two fixtures occupy NRL Super Saturday this weekend, with the first beginning in Canberra as the Raiders host the Dragons. The Raiders have jumped to the top of the competition ladder and will not want to concede that position any time soon. Despite the negative noise being made about them, the Dragons are only outside the Top 8 on points difference and are coming off a positive victory.
Raiders vs Dragons Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 18
Below their best is still good
For the second straight week, the Raiders have struggled to create a large margin of victory against an inferior opponent. After playing the Tigers in Round 16, they traveling to Newcastle to play the Knights. A strong first half created a 16-nil HT lead, but they switched off in the second half, only prevailing 22-18. As frustrating as it was from them, they still had positives. With an equal share of possession, they completed at 83%, averaged 10.3m per carry and made 644 PCM’s. They will need to improve defensively as they missed 31 tackles and conceded 5 line breaks. Nevertheless, the signs they are displaying when off their best are still positive.
A timely victory they must build on
Their 34-20 victory over the Eels at home was a long time coming for this club and they set the standard early by crossing for a try in the opening minute of play. Despite being inferior statistically in some key areas, it never impacted their play as they always appeared in control. With just a 47% share of possession, they completed at 82%, averaged 9.5m per carry and had 5 line breaks. Their shortcomings are still evident as they allowed 6 line breaks and missed 36 tackles but the positive signs are evident. They must improve otherwise, better teams will make them pay for their errors.
Stats that matter
The competition leaders for a reason
In years gone by, there would be doubt about how the Raiders would perform in a match like this. At home, with key players missing to Origin and back-to-back weeks of just getting past opponents; they have every excuse to lose this match. Not the 2025 edition of the Raiders though. This game is made for them to make a statement, especially as the Dragons will have heightened confidence following their performance last week. It will be closer than most anticipate though. The line on offer is ridiculously high for a team which is likely undergoing several weeks of an increased training load to prepare them for the run towards the Finals. Nevertheless, it should be used to your advantage in the sense that the Raiders are unlikely to run away with this match. If the Dragons do cause an upset, it will take a complete 80-minute performance and a poor effort from the home side for it to occur.
Raiders 1-12
$3.15 (1 unit)
Leg 1 = Total Points Under 49.5 – the average total of points scored in the past 5 games between these sides is 42.8 points. It would be surprising to see this total surpassed, especially given the records of each so far this season.
Leg 3 = Kris to score – interestingly, he is 3rd this season for tries scored for the Raiders (7) but has failed to score in the past 5 weeks. With a reduced strength on their edges, expect Kris to find his way to the tryline and get himself back into form.
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