Canberra Raiders News

Fri, 2nd May, 2025, 13:35 AEST
Get a Kick: Mudgee Tickets Now Up
Tickets are on sale for the Panthers' inaugural game in Mudgee against the Raiders on August 22.
LeagueNews.co
Tickets for the Penrith Panthers' home game against the Canberra Raiders in Mudgee are now officially on sale.
Scheduled for Friday, August 22, the match at Glen Willow Oval represents the Panthers' first-ever visit to Mudgee and the first Telstra Premiership game in the town since 2023.
This Round 25 clash pits the Panthers against a historic rival, the Raiders, with whom they have a storied rivalry, including memorable encounters in the 1990 and 1991 grand finals.
This match also marks the beginning of a new arrangement that will see the Panthers host NRL games in Mudgee in both 2025 and 2026, strengthening the club's connection to Central West NSW.
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Fri, 2nd May, 2025, 12:29 AEST
'I'm gonna belt you': How Mal lured 'insulted' No.1 turned champion to Canberra for golden era
Gary Belcher, encouraged by Mal Meninga, transformed into a legendary fullback for the Raiders.
Fox League
Gary Belcher never planned to be a fullback and almost wasn't a Raider, but with light "encouragement" from Mal Meninga, helped shape one of the greatest eras of footy ever seen and redefine the role of a No.1.
Belcher was playing as a centre pairing with Meninga at the Brisbane Rugby League's Southern Suburbs Magpies until a forced change of plan from coach Bob McCarthy.
"I was absolutely insulted when he said to me at the start of 1984 that, 'I want you to play fullback'," Belcher recalled on Fox League's Face to Face.
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Fri, 2nd May, 2025, 9:58 AEST
The kids are alright: Raiders' youth policy paying dividends
The Raiders are now recruiting younger players, adjusting their strategy to attract talent amid challenges.
The Riotact
The Raiders have been forced to improvise and adjust their recruitment policy over the years as the club battles to attract big-name players.
It was far easier in the mid-to-late 1980s, with the mass recruitment of Queensland players prior to the formation of the Brisbane Broncos.
In recent times, the Raiders have adopted a new approach, recruiting younger players with the potential to develop over time, guided by some of the more experienced players on the team.
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