Rugby league legend Paul Vautin has delivered a bold and thrilling prediction for Canberra Raiders fans, declaring the Green Machine is on the cusp of ending its long premiership drought. The former Queensland and Manly-Warringah star, who famously denied Canberra its first title in the 1987 decider, believes the pieces are in place for a triumphant 2026 season.
Building a Premiership Force in the Capital
Speaking to The Canberra Times during a visit earlier this year, Vautin expressed strong confidence in the Raiders' trajectory. "For sure they have a premiership coming. I think they were outstanding last season," Vautin stated, referencing the club's impressive 2025 campaign.
That season saw Canberra claim its first minor premiership since 1990, a significant achievement despite falling short in the finals series. Vautin pointed to the heartbreaking qualifying final loss to the Brisbane Broncos as evidence of how close the team is. "They were terribly unlucky against Brisbane... I don't think the Raiders need to change a lot, really," he said.
Vautin reserved special praise for coach Ricky Stuart, crediting him with forging a unified and resilient squad. "I love Ricky and he does a great job there. He got them really playing for each other this year and I thought they were a really tight unit." He highlighted the brilliance of young five-eighth Ethan Strange, whose absence was keenly felt in their final match, and singled out fullback Kaeo Weekes as one of his favourite players to watch for his "pace and excitement."
Solid Foundations and New Challenges
With the departure of halfback Jamal Fogarty to Manly, questions surround the Raiders' playmaking roles for 2026. However, Vautin sees the recruitment of Daine Laurie and the emergence of youngsters like Coby Black and Ethan Sanders as healthy competition. "Sanders has got a great mentor there in Ricky," Vautin noted, expressing faith in Stuart's ability to develop talent.
The foundation of the team, according to the league great, is its formidable forward pack. "The forward pack is really solid too. Joe Tapine is a great front-rower, and their back-row is strong. Hudson Young looks like he's a great leader as well as being a great forward." This combination of experienced leaders and dynamic young stars convinces Vautin that the premiership window is wide open.
A Blast from the Past: The First Sighting of Mal
Vautin's connection to the Raiders runs deep, having captained Manly against them in their inaugural grand final appearance in 1987. He recalled the iconic era that followed, led by Immortals Mal Meninga, Laurie Daley, and Ricky Stuart. "They had matured enough to become one of the great sides of the modern era," he reflected.
He shared a classic yarn from his teenage years, long before Meninga became a household name. Playing for Wests Mitchelton against a Queensland Police Academy team coached by Wayne Bennett, a young Vautin made a break for the try line. "I heard a thud, thud, thud chasing me down, and I go, 'Who the f--- is that?!'" he recalled with a laugh. The pursuer was a 16-year-old Meninga. "Luckily I had another gear and ended up scoring, but... I just said to someone, 'Whoever he is, he's going to be a star'. And he was."
With the Raiders' last title win dating back to 1994, the hunger in the nation's capital is palpable. Paul Vautin's endorsement, based on a lifetime in the game, provides a powerful vote of confidence that the long wait for premiership glory could finally be over in 2026.
