Seiffert Oval is expected to receive approval from NRL broadcasters to host a Canberra Raiders pre-season trial in 2026. The Queanbeyan ground's lighting standards appear sufficient for television coverage, eliminating the need for Canberra Stadium as a fallback. The trial could take place on Friday, February 13, at 5:30pm, requiring minimal lighting.
The Raiders last played at their original home ground in 2024 against the North Queensland Cowboys. A second trial may be held in Gosford the following weekend, near the hometown of five-eighth Ethan Strange in Tumbi Umbi on the Central Coast.
Canberra is also likely to play an away game against South Sydney in Perth on April 11. The full pre-season and regular season draws are expected to be released by the NRL on Thursday.
The Raiders will host all 12 regular-season home games at Canberra Stadium in 2026, a boost for ACT-based fans after recent games in Las Vegas, Wagga Wagga, and Magic Round in Brisbane. A potential round-one home game could coincide with the Canberra Day long weekend, alongside the ACT Brumbies' Super Rugby match and Black Opal Stakes Day.
