Canberra Raiders News

Sat, 8th August, 2026, 14:42 AEST
Knights get unwanted news before key Raiders clash
Newcastle's Bradman Best is out with a calf injury, impacting their playoff hopes ahead of a crucial match against Canberra. Fletcher Hunt will replace him.
The Canberra Times
Newcastle's hopes of cementing their spot inside the NRL's top eight have been dealt a huge blow with star centre Bradman Best ruled out with a calf injury.
The Knights have had to count the cost of a rousing 30-6 victory over Brisbane last round, as Best emerged from the clash with a low-grade calf strain.
The NSW State of Origin representative's injury will be unwelcome for Newcastle (12-8), who sit just two points clear of ninth place and are looking to win prop Tyson Frizell's 300th match on Sunday at GIO Stadium.
Best's niggle is the latest setback in a stop-start campaign as he's also battled through groin and calf injuries earlier in the season.
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Sat, 8th August, 2026, 12:54 AEST
Stuart pinning hopes on particular star to help Raiders
Canberra's hopes against Newcastle rely on Ethan Sanders' kicking, especially in wet conditions, as they aim to secure a crucial victory for NRL finals contention.
The Canberra Times
Coach Ricky Stuart says the hopes of Canberra's do-or-die clash against Newcastle will rest on Ethan Sanders' kicking game.
The Raiders (9-11) must snare a victory on Sunday at GIO Stadium if they are to have any chance of securing a winning record and staying in contention for the NRL finals.
However, the weather is set to cause chaos with torrential rain expected to impact the playing surface.
It means the 11th-placed Canberra's usual razzle dazzle, hard running and fast game will have to be tweaked, and Stuart is relying on Sanders to pick up some of the extra work.
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Sat, 8th August, 2026, 12:53 AEST
The magic 24: The uncanny record dictating Canberra's season survival against Newcastle
The Canberra Raiders must win all four remaining games to have a chance at the NRL finals.
The Canberra Times
This one number could hold the key to the Canberra Raiders' finals hopes.
It's already a simple equation for the Green Machine to have any chance of making the NRL top-eight - win all four of their remaining games.
And this number gives them the best chance of making that happen.
That starts with the sixth-placed Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
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