Dragons v Raiders NRL R27 tips & top odds | Saturday 7/9/2024

Round 27: Dragons v Raiders best bets

Dragons v Raiders match preview

Round 27 of the 2024 NRL season continues this Saturday afternoon as the Dragons and Raiders face off in Sydney in a last-ditch bid to make finals.

Sitting in 10th and 11th respectively on the ladder, both teams face the same situation to make the top eight: win this match and hope that the Knights vs Dolphins match finishes as a draw.

• WHICH NRL TEAMS CAN STILL MAKE FINALS?

Last Saturday, the Dragons missed a vital opportunity to secure a finals spot, going down to the struggling Eels by four points. In a high-scoring match, the St George Illawarra defence was torn apart, conceding 44 points in the first 60 minutes. Despite scoring five tries in the last 11 minutes, the Dragons became the first-ever side to lose while scoring over 40 points.

The Dragons have now lost three of their last four matches. However, playing at home, they remain favourites for this clash at $1.70 with PlayUp.

St George Illawarra have named young five-eighth Lyhkan King-Togia for his first start, pushing Jack Bird to centre alongside the returning Moses Suli. Hooker Jacob Liddle also returns, pushing Connor Muhleisen to the bench, while Mikaele Ravalawa and Ryan Couchman have been omitted.

The Raiders secured a big upset for the second week in a row last Sunday, beating the Roosters by two points on the road. Canberra were stellar defensively, keeping the Roosters to just two late tries in a low-scoring affair.

Although Canberra has beaten the Panthers and Roosters in consecutive weeks, they’ve left their run for the finals just too late. Although they are showing better form, they head to Kogarah as $2.20 underdogs with Bet365.

While veteran pair Elliot Whitehead (suspension) and Jordan Rapana (facial injury) have played their last matches for the Raiders, first-choice halves Jamal Fogarty and Ethan Strange are back in action. Kaeo Weekes moves to fullback, while Simi Sasagi shifts to the second row.

Dragons v Raiders Rd 27 team lists

St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Zac Lomax
3. Mosese Suli
4. Jack Bird
5. Mathew Feagai
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Jack De Belin
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Tom Eisenhuth
14. Connor Muhleisen
15. Toby Couchman
16. Blake Lawrie
17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Canberra Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Albert Hopoate
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Simi Sasagi
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Danny Levi
15. Corey Horsburgh
16. Ata Mariota
17. Trey Mooney

Dragons v Raiders betting predictions

After their strong performances over the last two weeks, the Raiders should be confident in getting the job done once again. The return of their halves is a major boost, and the Dragons’ recent form is underwhelming. As underdogs, back Canberra to secure the points at $2.20 with top rugby league betting sites.

With the second-worst attacking record in the NRL, the Raiders have found ways to win matches through strong defensive efforts. Eight of their last nine matches have gone under the total points line, while four of the Dragons’ last five have done the same. Expect this one to go under 51.5 points at $1.91 with leading NRL bookies.

Despite Canberra’s offensive struggles, one player who has been in excellent form is Xavier Savage. The winger has scored 14 tries this season, including six in his last seven matches. At $1.95 with top online bookmakers, Savage offers excellent value to get over the line once again.

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