Round three of the 2026 NRL Premiership kicks off this Thursday evening with a blockbuster in Canberra, as last year\u2019s Minor Premiers the Raiders host the unbeaten Canterbury Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
Both teams have one win so far this season, but will feel very different coming into this match.<\/p>\n
Canterbury snuck by the Dragons in Round 1, with Stephen Crichton bagging a golden-point field goal to thrill the Las Vegas crowd. They haven\u2019t played since, thanks to a second-round bye.<\/p>\n
For the Raiders, they also escaped in their opener, edging out the Sea Eagles 29-28 in extra time. Last week wasn\u2019t quite so tight though, as they shipped 34 second-half points in a 40-6 loss to the Warriors.<\/p>\n
Canterbury actually come into this clash as slight underdogs, despite Canberra\u2019s poor showing in Auckland. Much has been made of the Bulldogs\u2019 poor record at GIO Stadium, where they\u2019ve lost five of their last six.<\/p>\n
However, their most recent meeting here was a complete reversal, with the visitors overturning a 20-0 half-time deficit to win 32-20. Given how loose the Raiders have looked in possession so far this year, there\u2019s value in backing the Bulldogs here.<\/p>\n
After several glaring lapses in defence over the opening two rounds, Ricky Stuart will be drilling the Raiders this week. Expect them to stick more tackles and make this a tighter contest.<\/p>\n
Canterbury are known for their defence, keeping opponents to 20 points or fewer on 17 occasions in 2025.<\/p>\n
Two of the last three games between these sides have fallen under the 47.5-point mark. This shapes as more of the same.<\/p>\n
Jacob Kiraz has scored in four of his last five matches, including the 2026 opener and both of last season\u2019s finals losses.<\/p>\n
The winger will benefit from plenty of ball coming his way now that he\u2019s positioned on Crichton\u2019s side of the field. He should be a key piece of the Bulldogs\u2019 attack again here.<\/p>\n