NRL Sunday: Raiders v Wests Tigers betting tips, prediction & odds, round 1, 2021

Welcome to our Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers match preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL clash at GIO Stadium, Canberra, on Sunday, March 14.

Bookmakers have made Canberra a hot favourite to start the season in style. The Raiders played in a preliminary final last season, while in 2019 they made the grand final only to lose to the Sydney Roosters. If they can bring their best this season they will again be pushing for a top four position heading into the finals.

Wests Tigers are a new-look outfit this season with exciting former Penrith player Daine Laurie taking the fullback role and journeyman flyer James Roberts added to the centres.

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The Raiders have dominated this rivalry in recent times, winning nine of the past 11 contests between the teams. Interestingly, the two Tigers wins both came at GIO Stadium, and both wins came by only two points.

They met only once in 2020 for a 14-6 win to Ricky Stuart’s men at Campbelltown.

Wests Tigers head into this clash with their confidence high after a thumping 52-18 win against the Sea Eagles at Leichhardt Oval in their pre-season trial match.

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Raiders v Wests Tigers team news for round 1

Tough Raiders forwards Corey Horsburgh and Corey Harawira-Naera were not considered for selection because of off-season drink-driving charges, while co-captain Jarrod Croker was ruled out with a shoulder injury. Crocker is back in full training and may be available for round two, with Sebastian Kris taking Crocker’s place in the centres. Canberra have named former Titans prop Ryan James on the bench.

Meanwhile, Wests Tigers have given Moses Mbye (hamstring) the all clear to line up at five-eighth, but fullback Adam Doueihi is out suspended. Joey Leilua (foot) missed the NRL trial but has been cleared for this match.

Read on for our Canberra v Wests Tigers tips and winner prediction for their NRL clash on Sunday, March 14.

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Raiders v Wests Tigers

Kick-off: 4.05pm local time
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Head to head odds: Canberra $1.38, Wests Tigers $3.10
Line betting: Canberra (-7.5 points) $1.91, Wests Tigers (+7.5 points) $1.91
Match total: 43.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90

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Raiders v Wests Tigers free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free Raiders-Wests Tigers betting tips for Sunday’s game.

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Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers prediction 14-3-2021

We like the look of the Tigers line-up for the season opener. But the Raiders are legitimate contenders and with ace hooker Josh Hodgson back, it really gives them a much more dangerous look in attack. Hodgson, George Williams and Jack Wighton make a formidable trio, and the Raiders are always tough to beat on their home patch. Their record against the Wests Tigers is also compelling. Our Raiders v Wests Tigers prediction: Raiders by 12 points.

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Raiders v Wests Tigers lowdown

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