Canberra Raiders Latest

The 2026 NRL season begins Sunday, with predictions favoring the Roosters, Panthers, and Broncos for top spots.

LeagueNews.co

The 2026 NRL season is set to commence on Sunday, and fans and analysts are finalizing their predictions for the ladder.

This is an exciting period for supporters, as each team feels they have a shot at glory, though realism often prevails.

1. Sydney Roosters
2. Penrith Panthers
3. Brisbane Broncos
4. Melbourne Storm
5. South Sydney Rabbitohs
6. Cronulla Sharks
7. The Dolphins
8. Canberra Raiders
9. Canterbury Bulldogs
10. North Queensland Cowboys
11. Newcastle Knights
12. Manly Sea Eagles
13. Gold Coast Titans
14. New Zealand Warriors
15. Parramatta Eels
16. Wests Tigers
17. St George Illawarra Dragons

I predict the Roosters will rise to claim the minor premiership, followed closely by the familiar contenders, the Panthers and Broncos, with the Melbourne Storm securing a spot in the top four.

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Matty Nicholson is training for round one despite a shoulder injury, aiming to be fit for the March 7 match.

The Canberra Times

Matty Nicholson has taken his first step towards being fit for round one.

The England international trained at the Canberra Raiders camp at Batemans Bay on Tuesday, without having had a scan on his left shoulder.

Nicholson's shoulder was strapped and he was restricted from doing contact training as he pushes to be ready to face Manly at Brookvale on March 7.

He suffered a shoulder subluxation in the Raiders' trial against Cronulla in Gosford on Saturday, getting his arm in an awkward position trying to tackle Addin Fonua-Blake.

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Bulldogs' Matt Burton impresses NFL with 62-meter kick, sparking interest as he contemplates a future in American football.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Las Vegas: Bulldogs star Matt Burton and his giant left boot has caught the attention of the NFL for a second time after he kicked a ball that slammed into the roof inside the Las Vegas Raiders' training facility.

Several Raiders players could not believe the footage when they were shown on Tuesday local time, and quickly remembered it was Burton who casually booted a gridiron ball 62 metres - an unofficial NFL record - off a tee at Belmore on Super Bowl Day.

Burton has been on the radar of NFL scouts who are keen to know if he is serious about pursuing the sport once his deal with the Bulldogs expires at the end of 2027, when he will still only be 27.

His manager David Riolo told this masthead earlier this month: "There's already been some interest from NFL scouts - it's something he wants to look at down the track, for sure. He's off contract with the Dogs at the end of next year. I don't think his rugby league journey finishes there, but he will not close the door on an opportunity if it arose in the NFL."

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