Rugby League
2025-04-27 - Canberra Raiders vs Redcliffe Dolphins
A Sports Betting Pick by Stu
Rugby League : Australia : NRL
Sunday 27th April 2025 - KO 1400 AEST
Canberra Raiders
The Canberra Raiders have had a great start to the season, winning very well in Vegas over the Warriors and beating top 8 prospects like Brisbane and Cronulla places Canberra 3rd on a 5-2 record.
Under the expert guidance of coach Ricky Stuart, the Raiders have developed a real team with a strong defensive bias and a super effective attacking unit. Canberra have some very good leaders within the club too, Joseph Tapine and Jamal Fogarty have been pivotal to the recent success.
This season, the Raiders defence has been exceptional (if you excuse against two poor matches against Manly and North Queensland), otherwise conceding and average of 21.7ppg from the 7 matches played. Their recent victory over the Gold Coast Titans, where they held their composure and came from behind to win 20-30, showcased their defensive prowess and how strong the team is.
Canberra Raiders Team News – no changes to the 17 announced.
Redcliffe Dolphins
The Redcliffe Dolphins have had a mixed start to the 2025 season, currently sitting 10th on the NRL ladder winning less than 50% at 3-4.
First season Coach Kristian Woolf has certainly had a up and down ride 7 matches into the season, the Dolphin showing flashes of brilliance but have struggled with consistency week to week. Their recent victory in round 7 over the Melbourne Storm 42-22, one of the best wins in the clubs short history, has boosted their confidence coming into this away fixture.
Key players for the Dolphins include Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Isaiya Katoa. Tabuai-Fidow's dynamic play at fullback and Katoa's playmaking abilities have been crucial for the team. With Redcliffe unexpectedly beating the Storm last weekend, have managed to win 3 in a row with Gold Coast and Penrith the other victims.
The inclusion of Francis Molo in the front row and the return of Mark Nicholls to lock will add some needed grit in the middle against a large Canberra forward pack.
The Dolphins attacking threats, led by players like Jamayne Isaako and Herbie Farnworth, will be crucial if they are to trouble a consistent team like Canberra.
Redcliffe Dolphins Team News – Francis Molo makes his club debut in the front row and Mark Nicholls moves to lock to replace Felise Kaufusi who is out injured
Odds
Home team Canberra are ahead in the betting, $1.58 to $2.40, the line 4.5 points and total points is 48.5
The Betting Verdict
Very little history between these teams with Redcliffe playing in just their third season, Canberra lead 2-1 in the H2H stakes. Having met twice in 2023, Redcliffe winning the opening encounter 20-14 and Canberra winning the next 2, both by 1 point, 31-30 and 25-26 in the only meeting in 2024. This makes the largest winning margin just 6 points across 3 matches played.
Key forward matchups to watch include the battle between Joseph Tapine v Francis Molo through the middle and Hudson Young v Tom Gilbert on the edge. Both players are crucial to their own teams forward packs. Additionally, the battle of the halves between Jamal Fogarty and Isaiya Katoa will be a contest of playmaking abilities and well worth the price of admission that could determine the outcome of this fixture.
Given the current form and slim head-to-head advantage, the Canberra Raiders are likely to come out on top in this encounter. Their balanced attack and solid defence make them a formidable opponent for the Dolphins who tend to thrive on mistakes.
However, any team is capable of beating anyone in this competition, making Redcliffe a chance given the 3 wins in a row and the confidence that will instil.
With the high likelihood of a close tussle here, taking Canberra to win is a solid choice with 1-12 option being the most probable returning $3.40. for a safer option, consider the -4.5 for Canberra to win by 5 or more.
First try options here are many, however Savage to score first returns $7.50
The Pick :
Canberra Raiders 24 - 18 Redcliffe Dolphins
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Take Canberra to win by 1-12 point margin returning $3.40 with Bet365
