Back at home after pulling of one of the upsets of the season last week on the road, the Raiders will take on a Dragons side sure to be hurting after they gave up a late try to lose a nail-biter on the Gold Coast.
Missing a host of key players – including representative forward Joseph Tapine who remained in Canberra for the birth of his first child – the Green Machine defied the odds to down the previously undefeated Broncos 20-14 at Suncorp Stadium.
After an underwhelming opening five rounds, Ricky Stuart will hope his side can now start to build some momentum as they prepare to welcome back a number of frontline players.
While the Raiders celebrated their second win of the year in Round 6, the Dragons rued a blown opportunity to pick up their third for season 2023, after giving up a try inside the final four minutes to lose to the Titans 20-18.
Defence is likely to be a focus for coach Anthony Griffin this week after his men missed 49 tackles and gave up six line breaks against the Gold Coast.
These sides have played out thrillers in recent times, with three of their last four meetings being decided by margins of two points.
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Team News
Raiders: There are no late changes for the home side. Joseph Tapine is back on deck after missing Round 6 for the birth of his first child. Club great Jarrod Croker has kept his spot in the centres after playing his first NRL game in almost a year last week.
Dragons: Ben Murdoch-Masila played NSW Cup on Sunday and is out with Jack de Belin coming into the starting side at lock and Jack Bird shifting to the edge. Michael Molo is the new man on the bench with Jaiyden Hunt listed as 18th man. Zane Musgrove comes in at prop in a straight swap for Francis Molo, who pleaded guilty to a Careless High Tackle Charge and will miss three games. After being the replacement player last week, veteran Tautau Moga gets a start on the wing in place of Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring). Impressive rookie Toby Couchman retains his spot in the 17.
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Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won five of their past seven games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have won only two of their past 16 games at GIO Stadium
- The Raiders require 31 points for 10,000 points at GIO Stadium.
- Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has won six of his past seven games coaching against the Raiders.
- The Raiders have won six of their past eight games at GIO Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.