Canberra Raiders News

Fri, 15th May, 2026, 12:10 AEST
Giants-Raiders clash revealed in new draw; surprise backer for Civic stadium
Canberra's football community is upset over GWS Giants' fixtures clashing with local competitions and the Raiders' NRL game.
The Canberra Times
A GWS Giants fixture trumpeted as a family-friendly timeslot has left sections of Canberra's football community furious, sparking calls for games to be reshuffled as the AFL puts itself on a collision course with under 8s - and the Canberra Raiders.
The AFL has locked in a clash between the Giants and premiership contenders Fremantle at Manuka Oval on July 4 from 1.35pm, and a round 21 fixture between GWS and the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday, August 9, from 1.10pm.
The Giants are spruiking their Saturday afternoon game against the Dockers as a win for Canberra fans - but outraged parents and players within football circles say it is anything but.
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Fri, 15th May, 2026, 11:32 AEST
'He could be a gamebreaker': Freddy makes call on Raider's Blues hopes
Ethan Strange could become a State of Origin gamebreaker thanks to NRL's expanded six-man bench, says Brad Fittler.
The Canberra Times
It's the NRL rule change that's opened the door for Ethan Strange to be a State of Origin gamebreaker.
Former NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler felt Strange was built to be part of an expanded six-man bench, which has increased from four this year.
Fittler was confident Strange's ability to play five-eighth and centre would earn him a spot in Blues coach Laurie Daley's team.
Strange could join Canberra Raiders teammate Hudson Young in the NSW side for Origin I, which Daley will name on Monday morning.
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Fri, 15th May, 2026, 8:20 AEST
'Xavier's held me up': Raiders family grows as another Savage signed
Gabriella Savage signed her NRLW contract, celebrating with brother Xavier, who has supported her throughout her rugby career.
The Canberra Times
Gabriella Savage never thought she'd be in a position to sign an NRLW contract, but when that dream became a reality this week, the 18-year-old wanted her Canberra Raiders star brother Xavier by her side.
From growing up racing each other around the house in Cairns, to now both wearing lime green as speedy wingers for the Canberra Raiders, the Savage family has officially made the Green Machine a family affair.
On Friday, Savage was announced as one of four new NRLW development players for 2026, alongside Marley Cardwell, Aaliyah Lomas and Isabella Piper, and there for the contract signing earlier in the week was her beloved big brother.
"Xavier was actually my witness on the contract, so I was very happy that it was him," Gabby Savage told The Canberra Times.
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