The Bulldogs will have taken plenty of heart from their effort against the Panthers and they continue to show strong signs of improvement under the leadership of Stephen Crichton.
The blue and whites have racked up victories over the Titans, Roosters, Knights and Wests Tigers in 2024 and head into a stretch of games coach Cameron Ciraldo would see as very winnable against the Raiders, Dragons, Knights and Eels.
With Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton and Reed Mahoney leading the way the Bulldogs have been competitive in most matches and that resolve will get a stern test against Ricky Stuart's no-frills Raiders outfit.
Coming off a gutsy win over Manly and then a bye, Canberra will be refreshed and ready to continue a Magic Round roll that has seen them beat the Bulldogs twice (2021 and 2023) and also the Sharks (2022).
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Team News
Raiders: As was the case the last time Canberra played prior to their bye, Josh Papali'i reverts back to the bench on game day and Emre Guler starts at prop. No other changes, with Nick Cotric preferred on the wing over Albert Hopoate, who goes back to 18th Man.
Bulldogs: Josh Curran moves into the run-on side with Jaeman Salmon out after he was hospitalised with a staph infection. Jacob Preston is on the bench after initially being set to start in Salmon's place. Poasa Faamausili is the new man on the bench. Blake Taaffe is the replacement player.
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Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won their past eight games against the Bulldogs.
- Canterbury have lost all four Magic Round games.
- The Raiders have won their past three Magic Round games.
- Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 20 tries in 20 games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Raiders winger Nick Cotric has scored five tries in his last seven games at Suncorp Stadium.
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.