As the Raiders continued their habit of winning tight games last Saturday, the Dragons copped a hammering for the second week in a row.
Canberra held on for their 10th win of the season at home to the Titans in Round 18 and have now been involved in 10 games this season where the final margin has been six points or less, of which they have won eight.
The Green Machine now find themselves on the edge of the top four ahead of an upcoming month in which they'll face just one side currently in the top eight.
With a 52-16 loss to the Sharks last week the Dragons on the other hand have now leaked 100 points across the past fortnight, with only the Wests Tigers sitting between them and the foot of the ladder.
Back in Round 7 a 20-14 Raiders win continued what has been a good run for them against this week's opponent, and since 2017 they've won seven of 10 meetings with the Dragons.
While they've won only one of three at the venue this year, WIN Stadium was a happy hunting ground for St George Illawarra last year, with five victories and a lone defeat.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Dragons v Raiders
Team News
Dragons: Edge forward Jaydn Su'A is out with a shoulder injury, replaced by Billy Burns on the edge. Centre Moses Suli (head knock) will return but Jack Bird (knee) remains sidelined in a blow for the Red V. Dan Russell has been called on to the bench for his debut with Ryan Couchman 18th man.
Raiders: A couple of late changes for the visitors with Ata Mariota promoted to start at prop and Matt Frawley coming into the lock role in cover for Corey Horsburgh after his Origin call-up. Nick Cotric moves to 18th man with Emre Guler moving back to the bench.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have lost their past nine games without Ben Hunt.
- The Raiders have won six of their past eight games against the Dragons.
- Raiders winger Albert Hopoate has scored six tries in his past seven games.
- The Dragons have conceded 100 points in their past two games.
- Raiders prop Joseph Tapine is averaging 66.6 post-contact metres per game this year, a stat bettered by only Payne Haas and Brian To'o.
- The Dragons have held an opponent to under 20 points just three times this season and haven't done so since Round 10.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.