The official team lists are in for Saturday night’s clash between the Canterbury Bulldogs and Canberra Raiders, with both clubs welcoming back key forwards as the race towards the finals continues. There are several significant selection calls that could shape the contest at Accor Stadium, and we’ve broken down the biggest winners and losers from each side and what they could mean for punters.

Bulldogs Winners

Jacob Preston

After missing several weeks with a broken arm, Preston has been named in the extended squad and is a strong chance of making his return. His inclusion would provide the Bulldogs with another elite edge runner and improve both their defence and attacking shape.

Why it matters for punters: Preston’s return strengthens Canterbury’s left edge and improves the Bulldogs’ chances in both line and first try scorer markets.

Matt Burton

Burton shifts back into the centres, allowing Stephen Crichton to remain at five-eighth. His running game and aerial ability make him a dangerous attacking weapon against the Raiders’ outside backs.

Why it matters for punters: Burton becomes a genuine anytime try scorer option while also creating more opportunities for Jacob Kiraz on the edge.

Lachlan Galvin

Galvin continues to settle into the Bulldogs’ halves and will benefit from having a more settled forward pack if Preston returns.

Why it matters for punters: Better field position should allow Galvin to take greater control of the kicking game.

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Bulldogs Losers

Bronson Xerri

Xerri has been pushed to the interchange after the return of Enari Tuala to the starting side.

Bulldogs bench forwards

If Preston is cleared to play, competition for minutes through the middle and on the edges becomes much tighter.

Raiders left edge

The combination of Burton, Crichton and Kiraz gives Canterbury plenty of strike down both sides of the field.

NRL HUB IS HERE: Click here view all player & team stats, betting insights, tips & odds. Scroll down to find the hub below the recent stats.

NOTE: The hub will be available on the app NEXT WEEK so view the hub and tips on the website until then

Raiders Winners

Josh Papalii

The veteran prop returns after recovering from a calf injury, providing Canberra with valuable experience and another quality middle forward alongside Joe Tapine and Corey Horsburgh.

Why it matters for punters: Papalii’s return significantly strengthens Canberra’s middle third and should improve their chances of matching Canterbury through the opening exchanges.

Noah Martin

Martin returns to the starting back row and immediately adds another energetic defender and ball runner.

Why it matters for punters: His inclusion gives Canberra greater mobility on the edges and improves their defensive resilience.

Ethan Strange

After overcoming an ankle concern following Origin III, Strange has been cleared to play and resumes his partnership with Ethan Sanders in the halves.

Why it matters for punters: Canberra’s attack becomes considerably more dangerous with their preferred five-eighth available.

Raiders Losers

Savelio Tamale

Tamale drops out of the side, forcing Canberra into another change in the outside backs.

Morgan Smithies

Smithies has been named on the extended bench after returning from suspension, meaning he’ll need to wait for another opportunity unless there are late changes.

Bulldogs middle defence

With Papalii returning alongside Tapine, Horsburgh and Hudson Young, Canterbury face one of the toughest forward packs in the competition.

Early Verdict

Both clubs receive timely boosts ahead of a crucial clash, but Canberra arguably gains the biggest lift with Josh Papalii’s return and Ethan Strange cleared to back up from Origin. The Bulldogs still boast one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking spines, making this one of the standout games of Round 19. You can find our full betting insights and tips in our complete match preview.