Glen Willow Oval will play host to Friday’s Round 25 NRL game between Penrith Panthers and Canberra Raiders.
The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Penrith Panthers vs. Canberra Raiders game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday August 22, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Where: Glen Willow Oval
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders Preview
Premiers Penrith face a major test when they take on ladder-leaders Canberra in Mudgee on Friday evening.
The Panthers had surged into the top four on the back of nine straight wins but slipped to fifth after a golden-point defeat to Melbourne. With rivals snapping at their heels and a tough draw ahead, every result counts. Canberra enters fresh from the bye, having won 10 of its past 11.
Ethan Strange’s hat-trick against Manly before the break underlined their attacking spark as the Green Machine chases a first minor premiership since 1990. Isaah Yeo could be a late inclusion for Penrith, while Canberra is unchanged.
The Raiders upset the Cleary-less Panthers in Canberra last year, but Penrith had previously dominated the rivalry. This will be Penrith’s first outing in Mudgee, with Canberra winless in two appearances there. With both sides under pressure, fans can expect a finals-like contest decided by fine margins.
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders Teams
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Scott Sorensen 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Isaah Yeo 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Noah Martin 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Danny Levi 21. Trey Mooney 22. Ethan Sanders
