NRL Super Saturday resumes normal transmission with 3 blockbuster games of rugby league for fans to enjoy. The opening match heads to Canberra with the Raiders hosting the Rabbitohs. Time is running out for the Raiders to feature in the Finals but a recent resurgence in form has boosted their chances. The Rabbitohs will not want to concede a loss as they cling to a spot in the Top 8. This ensures exciting rugby league is ahead and Before You Bet is here with a detailed look at how this match will play out.
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2026 NRL season, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Raiders vs Rabbitohs Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 20 2026
Making amends and changing opinion
Few gave the Raiders a chance in their match against the Bulldogs last week but that mattered little as they powered their way to a strong 40-16 road victory. A dominant first half set up a 22-nil lead, building pressure in key positions and turning that into points. Playing with freedom, they dominated possession (55%) and had a superior completion rate (77%), which allowed them to make 9.1m per carry and 563 PCM’s. Despite making just 3 line breaks, their defence was strong, missing just 24 tackles. This is an attitude area, and such an effort indicates the Raiders may have turned a corner. The challenge ahead is replicating that effort again this week.
Passion is riding high
It was another emotional celebration for the Rabbitohs in their 26-24 victory over the Knights. Celebrating Arrow’s birthday, they jumped to a commanding 26-6 lead with 15 minutes remaining. Appearing fatigued, they allowed their fast-finishing opponents back into the contest and just scraped home with luck on their side. The final minutes have perhaps detracted from how good they were in the match. With 51% possession, they completed at 83%, average 9.2m per carry, and made 588 PCM’s; this saw them make 7 line breaks. Their defence needs improving though, missing 47 tackles over 80 minutes will not cut it against teams above them on the competition ladder.
Stats that matter
- These two sides met back in Round 6 with a narrow 36-34 victory for the Raiders in Perth. This means the Raiders have won 12 of the past 14 games against the Rabbitohs and a large reason why their opponents struggle at this venue (Raiders 59% vs Rabbitohs 44%).
- 3 of the past 5 matches between these two sides has been decided by more than 20 points, with the average sitting at 14.6 points. They’ve been high scoring matches, with the average total points at 53.
- The Rabbitohs are the superior team on both sides of the ball this season. They average 28ppg in attack and concede 23ppg defensively. While still not ideal defensively, they are far better ant he Raiders who allow 25ppg and score just 20ppg.
Too close to call
It’s unusual to see the Rabbitohs favourites in a game in Canberra this late in the season. A team usually struggles on this journey, especially at this time of year, and the Rabbitohs record at this ground speaks volumes. Combine that with the resurgence of the Raiders, and it is puzzling to see the home team listed as outsiders. The home team are boosted by the return of Young and Strange to their starting side, while consistency returns for the Rabbitohs with Johnston and Walker set to reunite and dominate the left edge for their team. Having a short week of preparation may also count against the visitors. Whether that is enough, remains uncertain. It is best to play it safe in this contest, with both sides having a different set of strengths that make them capable of winning this contest. There is every chance that a team could dominate with momentum, only to have it turn in favour of their opponent at another stage. With that in mind, taking either team to win this contest by less than 10 points is the preferred option. As good as their strength are, each have their weaknesses and will give their opponents an opportunity to score points. So, sit back and enjoy this game, hoping for a close match and gather a better understanding of what each team offers in the remaining weeks of the competition.
Either team by 10.5 points or less
$1.92 (1.5 units)
Raiders vs Rabbitohs Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 49.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Either team by 12 points or less – given it is expected to be a tight match, this adds value while overlooking the exact winner of the match.
Leg 3 = Strange to score – he is no stranger to scoring against the Rabbitohs, with 3 tries in his past 2 games against them. Despite not scoring in his past 4 NRL games, you can expect Strange to want to have a strong say in the outcome of this game.
Raiders vs Rabbitohs Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 18th July
Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Time: 3pm (EST)
Odds: Raiders $2 vs Rabbitohs $1.82
Line: +0.5
Points: 49.5
Where to Watch Raiders vs Rabbitohs
Watch the Raiders vs Rabbitohs match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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