Two depleted sides clash in Round 12 of the NRL as the Dolphins head to Canberra to take on the Raiders this Thursday.
Canberra Raiders vs Dolphins
Canberra have been patchy throughout 2026, winning four of their opening 10 matches to sit 12th on the ladder.
Most recently, the Raiders fell to Penrith after previously taking care of the Titans.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have been one of the form teams in the competition over the last month.
Since their heavy Round 5 loss to Manly, they’ve pushed the competition’s top sides before putting together a three-game winning streak.
But form may not matter as much as team availability in this contest.
Both sides have been hit hard by State of Origin selections and injuries. Canberra lose Hudson Young and Ethan Strange, while the Dolphins are without Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nikorima and several other key contributors.
Leg 1 - Each Team Under 29.5 Points
With both teams heavily reshuffled, this shapes as a scrappy and relatively low-scoring game.
Canberra already tend to play grinding contests at home, averaging just 19 points per game in the nation’s capital this season.
The Dolphins have been dangerous offensively in 2026, but without the likes of Tabuai-Fidow and Cobbo, they may need to rely more heavily on defence and field position.
Neither side looks close to full attacking strength.
Leg 2 - Second Half Highest Scoring
With so many new combinations on the field, it could take time for both attacks to settle into rhythm.
That points toward a slower opening before the game opens up later.
Fatigue should also play a factor, especially given both teams have regularly conceded points late in matches this season.
The second half shapes as the higher-scoring period.
Leg 3 - Kaeo Weekes to Score
Canberra will need a major attacking performance from Kaeo Weekes in the absence of several key playmakers.
The Raiders fullback has been in excellent try-scoring form, crossing five times in his last five matches.
Against a rejigged Dolphins defensive line, Weekes should get opportunities around the ruck and in broken play.
Same Game Multi
Each Team Under 29.5 Points / Second Half Highest Scoring / Weekes to Score = $8.50
Value Bet
Jamayne Isaako continues to be one of the hottest try-scorers in the competition.
The Dolphins winger scored twice against the Warriors in Round 8 before following it up with a hat-trick against the Bulldogs two weeks later.
With Cobbo and Tabuai-Fidow unavailable, Isaako will shoulder an even bigger share of the Dolphins’ attacking opportunities.
Expect plenty of ball to head his way again on Thursday night.
