The Canberra Raiders are set to host the Brisbane Broncos at GIO Stadium on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 7:35 p.m. local time, marking the first home match of the season for the Raiders following their impressive 30-8 victory over the New Zealand Warriors. The excitement is palpable as both teams look to build on their successful starts to the 2025 NRL season.
Stadium officials predict the crowd will be significant, with estimates starting at 17,000 attendees and the possibility of reaching 20,000, depending on how many Raiders members choose to attend the game instead of the competing Skyfire event happening the same night. "We've got unprecedented pre-sales ... we are optimistic the crowd is going to be no less than 17,000," commented a Raiders official, highlighting the growing interest as kickoff approaches.
The weather forecast also looks favorable, with temperatures expected to be in the high 20s at the start of the match, creating ideal conditions for fans attending the clash. Last year's equivalent match drew 16,968 spectators, and if current trends hold, this year's turnout could surpass both last year's figures and the notable 20,122 who attended the Raiders' season-opening clash against the Broncos back in 1999.
Traffic around GIO Stadium may present challenges for fans, as Parkes Way will be closed to westbound traffic from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM, and eastbound traffic will see restrictions from 2:00 PM until 10:00 PM. Raiders fans are advised to plan their routes accordingly to avoid heavy congestion. Despite these closures, many fans will already be at the stadium well before the game starts.
On the field, the Raiders have made several adjustments to their lineup due to suspensions. Star forward Joe Tapine will not play, and his absence is significant as he is known for his physical style of play. Josh Papalii will shift to the front row, with Morgan Smithies returning to the lock spot. Notably, Matty Nicholson will make his NRL debut, bringing strong experience from his time with the Warrington Wolves, where he played 45 matches. He aims to impress fans and coaches alike.
The Broncos, fresh off their dominant 50-14 victory over the Sydney Roosters, will be aiming to exploit the Raiders' weakened forward pack. They have named the same lineup as last week, which highlights their confidence after executing their game plan to perfection against the Roosters. With stars like Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo, the Broncos are equipped with the speed necessary to create scoring opportunities throughout the game.
For the Raiders, the young talent Savelio Tamale showed promise during his debut, and Albert Hopoate returns after missing last week’s match due to personal reasons, having welcomed the birth of his son. Head coach Ricky Stuart faces tough decisions this week, particularly with the return of Xavier Savage, who will be available for Round 3 but is currently serving his suspension.
Historically, the Raiders have struggled against the Broncos, winning only one of their last four encounters, but the home advantage at GIO Stadium could provide the Raiders with the boost they need. At this early stage of the season, each game holds immense significance for both teams as they seek to establish their identities and fight for higher rankings.
Fans can catch the action live on Fox Sports, with various streaming options available through Kayo Sports and Foxtel. For those unable to attend the game, numerous options exist to view the match from home.
The Raiders are ready to set the tone for their 2025 season, and with both teams bringing offensive firepower, the clash against the Broncos promises to be thrilling. Expect high stakes, passionate fans, and remarkable talent on display when these two NRL giants go head-to-head under the lights.