The Bulldogs face a tough test against a Canberra Raiders outfit who aren't afraid to match it with the best as they play their final match at Belmore Sports Ground for 2026.
Entering the final month of the regular season, the Blue and Whites will be looking to continue their push for an inaugural finals finish as the competition heats up - and have the perfect opportunity to make a statement against the fifth-placed Raiders at their spiritual home.
For tickets, transport and more, check out our Round 8 Gameday Guide below!
Match: Bulldogs v Raiders
Round 8 -
home Team
Bulldogs
8th Position
away Team
Raiders
5th Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
As usual, there is plenty of team news, stats and info to unpack in our Round 8 Match Preview.
Teamlists and Team News
Pani Hopoate will start at prop this week after sitting out with a knee injury, moving Giovanna Suani to the reserves. Pauline Suli-Ruka has been named to start in the second row, making her return from a shoulder injury. Tamika Jones will miss the next two matches with suspension.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie RobinsonFullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Simina LokotuiWinger for Raiders is number 2 Elise Simpson
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Daynah NankivellCentre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Monica TagoaiCentre for Raiders is number 4 Isabella Waterman
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Elizabeth MacGregorWinger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie Wiki
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Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Ashleigh QuinlanFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal Blackwell
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla PrestonHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara
Forwards
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Kalosipani HopoateProp for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Mary-Jane TaitoHooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Alexis TauaneaiProp for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Leilani Wilson2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Pauline Suli-Ruka2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaLock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Evelyn RobertsInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Latisha SmytheInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Hope MillardInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Hollie-Mae Dodd
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Paea UilouInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace Kukutai
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 18 Ma’atuleio Fotu-MoalaReplacement for Raiders is number 18 Sereana Naitokatoka
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Giovanna SuaniReserve for Raiders is number 19 Madison Bartlett
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Bridget HoyReserve for Raiders is number 20 Madyson Tooth
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Ebony PriorReserve for Raiders is number 21 Relna Wuruki-Hosea
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Moana CourtenayReserve for Raiders is number 22 Ellie Brander
Bulldogs Ins
- Bridget Hoy
- Ebony Prior
- Kalosipani Hopoate
- Ma’atuleio Fotu-Moala
- Moana Courtenay
- Pauline Suli-Ruka
Raiders Ins
- Ellie Brander
- Madison Bartlett
- Madyson Tooth
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea
Bulldogs Outs
- Leteena Medland
- Tamika Jones
Raiders Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
An unchanged line-up for the Green Machine after mounting a late comeback to snatch a win over Newcastle last weekend. Sereana Naitokatoka remains as 18th player, while Kiwi representative back Madison Bartlett has been listed in the reserves, in search of her first appearance of the year.
Last Time Out: Round 8, 2025
The corresponding match last year was against the Raiders and at Belmore Sports Ground, however the Bulldogs will be out to avoid a similar result after succumbing 56-24.
Andie Robinson Try
Trailing 28-12 at the break, Canterbury put themselves within 16 points with half an hour remaining, but it was the visitors who ran away with the result.
Last week the Bulldogs were upset by rivals Parramatta, while the Raiders snuck home against the Knights, so there will be plenty on the line for the side's finals hopes come Saturday afternoon.
Key Match Up: Young Gun Wingers
Simina Lokotui and Elise Simpson are two stars of the future, but have certainly caught the attention of good judges in just their second season in the top grade.
Lokotui has nabbed six tries from as many appearances after missing just one match this season, and has proven to be a reliable try scorer since debuting last year.
Lokotui Swoops and Scores!
She's also added ten tackle breaks, four line breaks and 65 average metres per match to her tally - and has a habit of scoring tries in bunches as well, highlighted by her hat-trick against the Sharks earlier in the year.
Her opposite in Simpson has been Canberra's best when it comes to try-scoring, averaging just less than a try per game, as well as 19 tackle breaks, 5 line breaks and 77 metres on average.
Despite both turning 20 this year, Lokotui and Simpson play well beyond their years, so be sure to get a glimpse into the future at Belmore this weekend.
Stat Attack via NRL.com
- The Bulldogs have won four of their last six games at home venues
- Bulldogs winger Simina Lokotui has scored six tries in her last five games
- Raiders winger Elise Simpson has scored 12 tries in her last 12 games
- The Raiders defeated the Bulldogs last year in their only previous meeting
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Where to Watch
Bulldogs Members and supporters will be available to watch the match on Channel 9 and FoxSports, or stream via Nine Now and Kayo.
