Canberra Raiders News

The Broncos increased security in Canberra, fueled by rumors and past controversies before the final.

The Canberra Times

Maybe the Brisbane Broncos really were worried about Canberra's public servants and their lanyards after all.

In the latest episode of mind games ahead of the Canberra Raiders' blockbuster qualifying final, rumours emerged that the Broncos had taken on additional security for their time in Canberra.

It comes after busgate and ratgate, where the Broncos complained about a 48-metre walk at Canberra Stadium due to safety concerns and then claimed they had the inside word on Josh Papali'i's ankle injury due a "rat" in the Raiders' ranks.

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Canberra's Ricky Stuart doubts Josh Papalii's availability for the qualifying final against Brisbane despite training.

The Canberra Times

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has cast doubt on inspirational forward Josh Papalii's chances of playing in the Raiders' qualifying final against a Brisbane side boosted by positive injury news around a star of their own.

Papalii has been racing against the clock to overcome an ankle injury ahead of Sunday's sold-out clash in the nation's capital.

Although the veteran prop trained for 10-15 minutes on Friday and has been included in Canberra's matchday squad, Stuart said he still needed to show improvement.

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Broncos' success relies on forwards, especially Payne Haas, against a determined Raiders team.

LeagueNews.co

The outcome of the qualifying final between the Broncos and the Raiders will heavily depend on the performance of their forward packs, despite the Broncos having a strong attacking backline.

For the Broncos, a standout performance from prop Payne Haas will be crucial in their journey to recover from their 2023 grand final defeat. Haas has openly expressed his ambition to clinch a championship ring.

Their first challenge comes from a motivated Raiders team, spearheaded by formidable forwards Josh Papalii, Joseph Tapine, and Corey Horsburgh. Both Haas and Papalii (who is dealing with an ankle issue) have been under scrutiny due to injury concerns but are set to start the game.

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