GIO Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 18 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and St. George Illawarra Dragons. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday July 5, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Where: GIO Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Canberra Raiders vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Odds
Canberra Raiders vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Preview
Ladder-leaders Canberra will aim to extend their red-hot form when they host a depleted St George Illawarra outfit at GIO Stadium on Saturday. The Raiders are riding a six-game winning streak, with recent tight victories over the Tigers and Knights highlighting their ability to close out tight contests—four of their last five wins have come by six points or fewer.
While Origin duties rule out Josh Papalii, Canberra regains enforcer Hudson Young and maintains a stable spine that’s been key to their consistency. In contrast, the Dragons continue to battle instability, forced into six changes due to injuries and representative selections—including the absence of star centre Valentine Holmes and rising winger Nathan Lawson.
The Raiders have dominated recent meetings, winning their past four clashes with St George Illawarra and remaining unbeaten at home against them since 2015. With a 5-1 record at GIO Stadium this season and averaging 32 points per game on home soil, Canberra will be confident of further exposing a vulnerable Dragons defence that has struggled to hold firm in recent weeks.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Canberra Raiders to win at $1.26 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Xavier Savage at $6.80.