NRL Round 8 preview: Raiders vs Dolphins betting tips

Best bets for Raiders vs Dolphins

NRL Round 8: Raiders v Dolphins preview

GIO Stadium hosts one of Round 8’s most anticipated clashes as the Raiders and Dolphins – both riding three-game win streaks – go head-to-head in the nation’s capital.

The Raiders are undefeated at home this season and sit inside the top four, while the Dolphins arrive with momentum after a 42-point second half against Melbourne. With key forwards on both sides in career-best form, expect a fiery, end-to-end contest with finals implications.

Canberra continue to build on a breakout 2025 campaign and are gunning for their sixth win in eight starts, with Hudson Young leading the charge from the edge.

They’ve beaten the Sharks, Eels, and Titans in recent weeks and now return to GIO where they’ve covered the line in four of their last five. With no team changes and a settled spine, Ricky Stuart’s side will be confident they can contain a red-hot Dolphins outfit as $1.60 favourites with the top NRL betting sites.

The Dolphins have turned their season around with wins over the Titans, Panthers, and Storm, scoring over 100 points in three weeks. Isaiya Katoa is delivering maturity beyond his years, and Herbie Farnworth, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Kodi Nikorima are thriving in open space.

However, they’ve lost their last seven games played interstate, and their only previous trip to Canberra ended in heartbreak – a golden point loss.

Canberra Raiders v Dolphins Rd 8 team news

Canberra Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Corey Horsburgh
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Matty Nicholson
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Owen Pattie
15. Zac Hosking
16. Josh Papalii
17. Ata Mariota

No changes to the 17 that defeated the Titans. Simi Sasagi named 18th man.

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Max Plath
10. Francis Molo
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Mark Nicholls
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Ray Stone
16. Connelly Lemuelu
17. Josh Kerr

Felise Kaufusi is out (knee). Francis Molo starts at prop, with Mark Nicholls shifting to lock. Max Plath (foot) has been named to start at hooker.

Raiders v Dolphins Round 8 betting predictions

Canberra have covered the line in four of five home games and enter this with a more stable squad and dominant form at GIO. Their edge defence is improving and Jamal Fogarty’s kicking game gives them crucial field position. With the Dolphins vulnerable on the road, the Raiders should get the job done by a converted try at $1.90 odds with BetOnline.

Hudson Young has scored six tries in three weeks, including three doubles, and continues to punch holes with hard lines on the left edge. With the Dolphins vulnerable to edge forwards and Young in a purple patch, he’s one of the most confident try plays this week at $2.45 odds with BetOnline. His support running near the line makes him a nightmare to mark when Fogarty is in control.

The Dolphins have scored 108 points in their last three games and the Raiders are averaging over 26 per game at home. With both sides in attacking rhythm and capable of scoring from anywhere, this total looks too low. Their 2024 meeting ended 26-25 and another shootout looks likely given current form and confidence levels.Take the game to be over 46 points with BetOnline.

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