Two depleted sides clash in Round 12 of the NRL as the Dolphins head to Canberra to take on the Raiders this Thursday.<\/p>\n
Canberra have been patchy throughout 2026, winning four of their opening 10 matches to sit 12th on the ladder.<\/p>\n
Most recently, the Raiders fell to Penrith after previously taking care of the Titans.<\/p>\n
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have been one of the form teams in the competition over the last month.<\/p>\n
Since their heavy Round 5 loss to Manly, they\u2019ve pushed the competition\u2019s top sides before putting together a three-game winning streak.<\/p>\n
But form may not matter as much as team availability in this contest.<\/p>\n
Both sides have been hit hard by State of Origin selections and injuries. Canberra lose Hudson Young and Ethan Strange, while the Dolphins are without Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nikorima and several other key contributors.<\/p>\n
With both teams heavily reshuffled, this shapes as a scrappy and relatively low-scoring game.<\/p>\n
Canberra already tend to play grinding contests at home, averaging just 19 points per game in the nation\u2019s capital this season.<\/p>\n
The Dolphins have been dangerous offensively in 2026, but without the likes of Tabuai-Fidow and Cobbo, they may need to rely more heavily on defence and field position.<\/p>\n
Neither side looks close to full attacking strength.<\/p>\n
With so many new combinations on the field, it could take time for both attacks to settle into rhythm.<\/p>\n
That points toward a slower opening before the game opens up later.<\/p>\n
Fatigue should also play a factor, especially given both teams have regularly conceded points late in matches this season.<\/p>\n
The second half shapes as the higher-scoring period.<\/p>\n
Canberra will need a major attacking performance from Kaeo Weekes in the absence of several key playmakers.<\/p>\n
The Raiders fullback has been in excellent try-scoring form, crossing five times in his last five matches.<\/p>\n
Against a rejigged Dolphins defensive line, Weekes should get opportunities around the ruck and in broken play.<\/p>\n