Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors: NRL Sunday preview

The 2025 NRL season gets underway on Sunday and Las Vegas will be the setting when the Canberra Raiders take on the New Zealand Warriors.

It is the opening game of a double-header, with Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks set to play at the same venue, the Allegiant Stadium, later in the day.

The 2024 trip to Vegas was a huge success, and now all four teams get the chance to showcase the NRL to a huge American audience.

Of course crucial points are up for grabs and both the Raiders and the Warriors will be keen to get their season off to a winning start.

It is new territory for both sides, and it could come down to who handles the occasion the best.

Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors betting preview

Raiders love Round One

The Canberra Raiders have made a habit of getting the season of to a flyer, winning five of their past six Round One matches.

This time is a bit different as they begin in the bright lights of Las Vegas, but that could provide even more motivation to start with a win.

The only loss came in 2023, and that was close, going down 19-18 against North Queensland Cowboys.

There have been changes in the off-season and the Raiders could have their work cut out to make the top eight in 2025.

That is why it is even more important to get off to a strong start, and coach Ricky Stuart will be delighted to name a full-strength side.

It has been a tough week for Hudson Young, but he could end the week on a high.

The powerful forward has scored six tries in the last eight games against the Warriors and can be backed at 3.10 to score at anytime on Sunday.

Big Fish in new pond for Warriors

The Warriors have a good record against the Raiders, winning three of the last four meetings, and will be out to keep that good record going.

There was not much in the last win however, just eight points, and they can be backed at 3.10 to win by 1-12 on this occasion as well.

One huge plus for the Warriors this season is the addition of James Fisher-Harris, who has arrived from the Penrith Panthers.

The Warriors hope that the powerful forward can help take them to the next level, and he will be keen to get off to a fast start.

With no Shaun Johnson, the Warriors will go with a new-look halves pairing of Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita.

As always Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be a huge threat on the wing and is 9.00 to grab the first try.

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Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors odds

Canberra Raiders - 2.20
New Zealand Warriors - 1.68

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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.