Home ground: GIO Stadium Canberra

Coach: Ricky Stuart

The Canberra Raiders' 2025 season was a massive success, marked by their first Minor Premiership in 35 years, driven by a formidable forward pack, standout performances from players like Ethan Strange, and Ricky Stuart's coaching, though it ended in disappointing finals losses to Brisbane and Cronulla, leaving a bittersweet taste but a strong foundation for future success. The team from the nation's capital experienced a remarkable season, particularly when considering their pre-season failure projections by most pundits. The Raiders have historically demonstrated a capacity for such accomplishments on multiple occasions under the leadership of Ricky Stuart, a deeply committed figure within the organisation who bleeds green.

What looked like a successful run at the finals, they lost a crucial first finals match to Brisbane after leading by 16 points, a defeat that felt season-ending, then were eliminated by Cronulla in the following week, missing their chance at a deeper finals run and becoming the first minor premiers to bow out in straight sets since the 2009 Dragons. Nonetheless, the Broncos loss was one of the most action packed games of rugby league you could hope to see and they were denied winning the match twice by two close calls. In essence, 2025 was a historic, successful, yet ultimately heartbreaking season for the Raiders, proving they are a force in the NRL. 

Raiders supporters have endured an extended wait, with their championship drought extending to 32 years by 2026. However, all the necessary components are in place for Canberra to overcome the disappointments of the previous season and secure the Provan-Summons Trophy. The Raiders possess a formidable forward pack and a dynamic backline; the primary concern revolves around Ricky Stuart's strategy for replacing the departed halfback, Jamal Fogarty. The Raiders' 2025 season success was significantly attributed to Jamal Fogarty's leadership, prompting legitimate inquiries into whether their performance exceeded expectations. Should Ethan Strange meet expectations, Canberra could experience significant success leading towards the playoffs.

Joseph Tapine is widely regarded as one of the top three props in the sport. While Papalii offers valuable experience, concerns have been raised regarding Canberra's agility in the middle third of the field. One of the more eyebrow-raising off-season signings is that of Jayden Brailey, with the dummy half shifting from the Newcastle Knights to the Canberra Raiders. Signed as something of a great white hope for Newcastle after the first three years of his career in Cronulla, the dummy half played just 38 games in his first four years for the Knights.

Despite their premature exit, the club will be brimming with confidence heading into the new season. Working against them though will be the fact that rivals will be ready for what’s to come, rather than last year’s ambush after starting as wooden spoon favourites. We expect a much tougher season and potentially a slide down the ladder to miss the 8.

PREDICTED SEASON FINISH - 11TH