Canberra Raiders miss 2026 Magic Round; only team not participating despite recent success.
In a blow for Raiders fans, Canberra have been snubbed from the 2026 Magic Round, with the NRL handing the minor premiers the bye. The Raiders will be the only team to miss the marquee event when Suncorp Stadium hosts all eight matches from 15 to 17 May.
The Raiders have won their previous five Magic Round matches, including last year's memorable golden-point thriller over the Storm.
Canberra's omission comes after Manly were given the bye at the party weekend this year, while St George Illawarra sat it out in 2024 and Newcastle in 2023.
Women's Magic Round will then move from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga next season on August 1 and 2, with the marquee weekend a travelling roadshow around regional NSW.
Meanwhile, the...