The Raiders head home to host the Bulldogs following a successful trip to Brisbane for Magic Round for both teams. Few would’ve expected these sides to sit 2nd and 1st on the competition ladder at this stage of the season but they have earned their spot with some exciting play. An intriguing contest is ahead and there is no doubt that this is the ‘match of the round’. Don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Location: GIO Stadium
Date: 10th May
Time: 3pm (AEST)
Odds: Raiders $1.78 vs Bulldogs $2.05
Line: -2.5
Points: 45.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Ladbrokes. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The Raiders prevailed in thrilling style to close out Magic Round, defeating the Storm 20-18. In a tight match, the Raiders stayed with their opponents and sealed the game in Golden Point. It’s no surprise they performed well given their share of possession (52%) and higher completion rate (85%). This meant they dominated most areas including running metres and line breaks. Still missing 31 tackles, they scrambled well to cover this.
The Bulldogs produced a strong display against the Titans with a 38-18 victory. In a game which could’ve been tricky given the circumstances they’re facing, they played with poise and experience expected of the competition leaders. While not completing to their usual high standard (75%), they still controlled possession (55%), ran the ball strongly (9.6m per carry), made 7 line breaks and had significantly more PCM’s. They too were somewhat loose with their defence, missing 31 tackles and allowing the Titans to score more points that most this season, but that is still an area of strength for them.
The recent history doesn’t bode well for the visitors; despite winning their most recent game against the Raiders, they have lost 9 of their past 10 meetings; the Bulldogs also have a 45% win record here (vs Raiders 59%). The attack of each is similar this season with the Raiders holding a slight advantage (29ppg vs 26ppg). The Bulldogs are boosted by the return of Burton, and he will help in this area. Defence is a point of difference for the visitors, and it has been a regular theme of their victories this season. They concede just 14ppg (1st in the NRL – by a long way) whereas the Raiders can often leak points (22ppg). If the home side can control this area of their game, it will give them a great chance of winning this match.
Despite both teams featuring last Sunday, do not underestimate the draining effect a match against the Storm can do to a team. There have been several instances this season whereby a team has been defeated the following week after a match against the boys from Melbourne. They have proven themselves worthy in 2025 but in this instant, you must go with consistent, regular form and side with the Bulldogs to cause an upset.
Bulldogs to Win
$2.05 (2 units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 NRL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Leg 1: Bulldogs 1-12 – this selection is a must considering the Suggested Bet above. It will be a tight match and surprising should a team win by more than 2 converted tries.
Leg 2: Total Points Under 45.5 – this is expected to be a grinding match. The average margin in the past 5 matches is 45.2 points, meaning that this selection falls right in this range for another tight contest.
Leg 3: Kiraz to score – despite being injured this season, he has scored 3 tries from 4 matches and will look to involve himself as much as possible. Positioned outside Xerri also provides opportunities, with his inside man always attracting more attention than usual.
SGM Odds: $14 at BoomBet
