Warriors v Raiders NRL Round 1 betting tips & preview | 2/3/25

Warriors vs Raiders NRL R1 best bets

NRL Round 1: New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders preview

The NRL’s second Las Vegas showcase kicks off with a clash between the Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors to open up Round 1 of the 2025 NRL season. Both teams missed the finals last season and will be eager to start fresh in 2025.

The Warriors had a disappointing 2024 campaign, finishing 13th after a breakout 2023 season. This year, they’ve undergone some key roster changes, most notably replacing Shaun Johnson with Luke Metcalf in the halves. James Fisher-Harris joins the pack, bringing premiership-winning experience, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moves to the wing to accommodate young gun Ali Leiataua in the centres.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have opted for continuity, with Joseph Tapine taking over as captain from the departed Elliott Whitehead. Kaeo Weekes starts at fullback after an impressive pre-season, while promising hooker Owen Pattie has earned a bench spot. Canberra’s Round 1 record is strong, with five wins from their last six season openers.

New Zealand enter this game as slight favourites at $1.68 with the top online bookmakers, but Canberra’s stability could see this match go right down to the wire.

Warriors vs Raiders team news

New Zealand Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Taine Tuaupiki
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
14. Dylan Walker
15. Jackson Ford
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Leka Halasima

The Warriors have a fresh look in 2025, with James Fisher-Harris leading the pack and Luke Metcalf now running the attack in the No.7 jersey. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s return to the wing is a key storyline.

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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. Zac Hosking
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Josh Papalii
17. Ata Mariota

Canberra’s team remains largely unchanged from last season, with Hudson Young and Zac Hosking forming a strong back row. Savelio Tamale gets a chance on the wing in Albert Hopoate’s absence.

Warriors vs Raiders betting predictions

While Canberra have been a solid side in Round 1 clashes, this is a tricky matchup for them. The Warriors have made some key changes, and with James Fisher-Harris leading a strong forward pack, they should be able to control possession and generate momentum through the middle. At -153.85, the Warriors aren’t offering massive value with the top rugby league bookmakers, but they shape as the safer pick to get the job done in Las Vegas.

Raiders forward Hudson Young has developed a knack for scoring tries in season openers, having crossed in three of his last four Round 1 matches. He also scored six tries in nine games against the Warriors, making him one of Canberra’s biggest attacking threats on the edge. At +150 with Marantelli Bet, Young is excellent value to continue his try-scoring form against the Kiwis.

With both teams struggling defensively away from home last season, this clash has all the ingredients to be a high-scoring contest. The Las Vegas conditions should encourage fast, attacking play, and with the Raiders’ pace out wide and the Warriors’ new-look attack, expect plenty of points. The over 42.5 total points — paying -108.7 with Marantelli Bet — is a strong play for punters looking for an exciting game.

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