Samurai edition

NRL
>GAME 1
Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos
4:05pm AEST on Fox, Kayo and Ch9
GIO Stadium
1.71-2.14
>GIO Stadium will be a sea of green as the minor premiers, the Canberra Raiders, host the high-flying Brisbane Broncos. This will be the first time these sides have met in the Finals since 1995. The opposing fullbacks have spectacular highlight reels from 2025. The Raiders claimed the minor premiership despite a final-round 24-62 loss to the Dolphins, where they rested most of their starting side. The Broncos are arguably the hottest team in the NRL, charging into the finals on a four-game winning streak, including a 30-14 victory over the Storm. The Raiders welcome back their full contingent of rested stars, including captain Joseph Tapine and halves Jamal Fogarty and Ethan Strange, though veteran prop Josh Papalii is under an injury cloud. The Broncos will be without captain and playmaker Adam Reynolds (hamstring), with Ben Hunt deputising at halfback. Superstar fullback Reece Walsh has been named to play despite a calf injury scare. The Broncos hold the historical advantage, but the Raiders won their only meeting in 2025, a 32-22 victory at GIO Stadium. The Raiders must contend with a defence that is statistically weaker than most modern premiers. For the Broncos, the absence of Adam Reynolds is a massive blow, placing immense pressure on Reece Walsh to be the primary creator.
Raiders 1-12 3.00
Raiders 13+ 3.25
Broncos 1-12 3.15
Broncos 13+ 5.40
Raiders -2.5 1.90 Broncos +2.5 1.90