Raiders Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Round 9 Clash With Titans
The Canberra Raiders are grappling with a significant injury toll as they travel to the Gold Coast for a pivotal Round 9 encounter against the Titans. With key personnel sidelined and a reshuffled forward pack, Ricky Stuart’s side faces a steep climb to secure a victory at Cbus Super Stadium.
Injury Blows Decimate Raiders Forward Pack
The Raiders’ campaign has been hit by a wave of injuries, most notably the loss of Noah Martin and Zac Hosking. Martin, who suffered a severe injury following a hip-drop tackle in a previous match, is set for surgery on both ankles. The tackle in question resulted in a three-game suspension for Tigers hooker Api Koroisau.
Adding to the crisis, Zac Hosking has been ruled out indefinitely
due to concussion protocols. These absences have forced a reshuffle in the second row, with Ata Mariota and Simi Sasagi stepping into the starting roles. Sasagi’s inclusion follows a fitness test to clear a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the Raiders’ match against the Tigers.
Titans Boosted by Key Returns
In contrast, the Gold Coast Titans enter the match with a strengthened roster. Coach Josh Hannay has confirmed the return of two critical players:
- AJ Brimson: Returning to the lineup after taking time off for the birth of his second child.
- Chris Randall: Returning from a minor calf complaint after utilizing the bye week for recovery.
Despite the roster boost, the Titans are fighting for consistency under Hannay, currently sitting 13th on the ladder. Their offensive output has struggled, averaging between 19 and 21 points per game, making this a battle of attrition between two sides desperate for a revival.
Match Analysis: The Battle for Momentum
This clash is more than just a game; it is a fight for ladder positioning. The Raiders currently sit in 14th place, having won only three of their first eight rounds. For Ricky Stuart, the challenge lies in maintaining defensive structure while integrating replacement players into a depleted forward pack.
The Titans hold a slight psychological edge with a more complete squad, but their hot-and-cold
form suggests they are vulnerable if the Raiders can leverage their grit and tactical discipline.
- Raiders Casualties: Noah Martin (double ankle surgery) and Zac Hosking (concussion) are out.
- Titans Gains: AJ Brimson and Chris Randall return to the starting side.
- Ladder Stakes: A clash between 13th (Titans) and 14th (Raiders) as both seek to escape the bottom of the table.
- Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Noah Martin and Zac Hosking?
Ata Mariota and Simi Sasagi have been named in the second row to fill the void left by the injured pair.
Why was Noah Martin injured?
Martin was injured during a hip-drop tackle by Tigers hooker Api Koroisau, which led to the hooker receiving a three-game suspension.
What is the current form of the Gold Coast Titans?
Under new coach Josh Hannay, the Titans have won just two games and are struggling with offensive consistency, averaging roughly 20 points per game.
As both teams fight to move up the standings, the result on Saturday will likely define their trajectory for the remainder of the 2026 season.