Canberra Raiders v St George/Illawarra Dragons: NRL Saturday preview

Canberra Raiders are pushing for the NRL minor premiership and next up is a home clash against the Dragons.

The Raiders moved to the top of the ladder following a gutsy win over Newcastle last weekend, which was their 13th victory of the season.

1990 was the year Canberra last won the minor premiership, but now have a great chance to break that drought with two byes to come.

Next up is a clash with the Dragons, who are desperate for the two points as they look to force their way into the top eight.

The Red V have a horror record at GIO Stadium and will need to snap a 10-year losing streak at the venue if they are to leave with the points.

Injuries have also hit the Dragons and it will be a mighty upset if they can pick up the win in the nation’s capital.

Canberra Raiders v St George/Illawarra Dragons betting preview

Papa missing for Raiders

The Raiders will have to do without one of their star performers of the season after Josh Papalii earned a recall to State of Origin.

Papalii will play for Queensland in game three, and his boots will take some filling as the powerful forward has been at the top of his game this season.

Corey Horsburgh will move from lock to prop, allowing Morgan Smithies the chance to shine in the No.13 jersey.

The Raiders are bang in form and are looking to pick up their seventh consecutive win for the first time in nine years.

They do have a great record against the Dragons, winning the last four games, and can be backed at 2.10 to win this latest meeting by 13+ points.

Xavier Savage is bang in form having scored five tries in the past four games at GIO Stadium.

The winger can be backed at 7.00 to score the first try, or 1.77 to score at anytime.

Dragons ravaged by injury

The Dragons have been hit by a host of injuries after Hamish Stewart (concussion), Luciano Leilua (quad), Nathan Lawson (shoulder) and Toby Couchman (shoulder) were all ruled out.

Valentine Holmes is also missing as he prepares for Origin with Queensland, so coach Shane Flanagan has some juggling to do with his side.

The Dragons head into the game on the back of a 14 point victory over the Eels, which should have given their confidence a lift.

However they do have a horror record at GIO Stadium, and have not win their since 2015.

They have also won just four out of the 19 games they have played at the venue, so have it all to do.

Indeed their record away from home have been poor all season, winning just two games out of seven on the road.

If they are to pull off an upset, they can be backed at 5.00 to nick the game by 1-12 points.

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Canberra Raiders v St George/Illawarra Dragons odds

Canberra Raiders – 1.28
St George/Illawarra Dragons – 3.60

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.