Kick-off
And we are underway. Canberra have first use of the footy and hit it up five times into Dogs territory before a Jamal Fogarty high kick leads to a Jordan Rapana try.
Pre-game arm wrestle
A Raiders and a Bulldogs fan pose in front of the Wally Lewis statue at Suncorp Stadium. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Credit: Getty
Numbers stack up against Dogs
Canterbury are winless in three starts at Magic Round, have lost their past six contests with Canberra and have not tasted victory at Suncorp Stadium since 2015.
That said, Bulldogs by 4 with the Raiders leading early then turning into Faders.
Team changes
Canterbury are 1-17 after prop Max King (ribs) and winger Jacob Kiraz (knee) have been cleared after being in doubt all week. Young halfback Karl Oloapu will come off the bench as he did last weekend on debut while prop Franklin Pele (broken arm) is back after a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
Canberra are also as per program with Xavier Savage making his comeback from a broken jaw on the wing, replacing Albert Hopoate.
Let the Magic begin
Welcome to live coverage of Friday night’s NRL Magic Round double-header, kicking off with the 6pm match-up between Canberra and Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium before Manly tackle the Broncos at 8.05pm.
The Bulldogs and Raiders are both coming off narrow wins – Cameron Ciraldo’s side beat the Dragons 18-16 in Wollongong while Canberra outlasted the Dolphins 31-30 in extra time at Wagga Wagga.
