Raiders' Pre-Season Fate in Hands of Broadcasters
The spiritual home of the Canberra Raiders, Seiffert Oval, is in the running to host a 2026 pre-season trial, but the final decision rests with the NRL's broadcast partners. The Green Machine could play one of their two trial matches at their original home ground, where they played until moving to Canberra Stadium in 1990, depending on the venue's suitability for television broadcast.
Potential Blockbuster Canberra Day Weekend
In a significant boost for the capital, the Raiders are also in contention to host a round-one NRL match for the first time since 2022. If this eventuates, it would create a massive weekend of sport for the Canberra Day long weekend in March. The ACT Brumbies are already scheduled to host the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday, March 7. A preferred Friday night slot for the Raiders would avoid a clash with the prestigious Black Opal Stakes horse racing event at Thoroughbred Park on the Sunday, with past cross-promotion ticket offers between the codes and racing club likely to be revisited.
Stable Home Season and Perth Trip Ahead
ACT fans have received further good news, with the Raiders confirming they will host all 12 of their regular-season home games at Canberra Stadium in 2026. This ends a trend of taking home games to destinations like Las Vegas, Brisbane for Magic Round, and Wagga Wagga. The club's 2026 draw also includes a trip to Perth, reportedly scheduled for April 11 as part of a double-header. The Raiders are hopeful this travel schedule will be less gruelling than the previous season's, which saw them log extensive miles on their way to securing the minor premiership.
The club has held discussions with the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council about the feasibility of a trial at Seiffert Oval. The alternative is to host the trial at their current home, Canberra Stadium, with a potential date of February 14, Valentine's Day. The full NRL draw is expected to be released imminently, providing clarity on these fixtures and the Raiders' full 2026 campaign.
