Rugby League News | Raidercast

Tue, 4th August, 2026, 16:17 AEST
Raiders cult hero's return among major changes for home Knights clash
Simi Sasagi returns from injury for Canberra Raiders' match, exciting fans during Indigenous Round alongside other squad changes.
The Canberra Times
The Simi Sasagi chant is so back.
Canberra Raiders fans partial to enjoying the catchy cheer for the Green Machine cult hero were no doubt grinning with delight when Sasagi was named to return from injury to play this Sunday for Indigenous Round.
Sasagi's inclusion for the Newcastle Knights clash at Canberra Stadium was one of three changes to the Raiders squad that was thumped by the Panthers in Mudgee last week.
Young second-rower Joe Roddy returns to the NRL for the first time since round nine. The 20-year-old missed several weeks with a broken hand and then was suspended in NSW Cup upon his return.
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Tue, 4th August, 2026, 5:39 AEST
NRL run home: Panthers' to lose, the battle for eighth, Knights safe but Bunnies teeter on the edge
North Queensland faces finals elimination after an embarrassing loss, while the Panthers dominate, nearing minor premiership despite injuries.
The Australian
Will the most embarassing loss in living memory end North Queensland's finals hopes?
And will Canterbury's recent run be enough to make it from here?
We take a look at the next five rounds for every team still alive in the NRL, to see who will finish in the top eight and who will flunk out at the final hurdles.
Played: 19, Won: 15, Lost: 4, Differential: +308
The Panthers have hit their stride now, and despite some tricky games on the run home it's going to take a miracle to stop them even with Mitch Kenny (leg) and Dylan Edwards (shoulder) sidelined. Their complete demolition of Canberra in Mudgee has them flying at the top of the ladder with a ridiculous for and against, so even if they drop a game (unlikely) over the next five weeks they're basically assured the minor premiership. Six grand finals in seven years? Looks that way.
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Sat, 1st August, 2026, 14:54 AEST
Super Saturday: Titans v Warriors; Panthers v Raiders; Broncos v Knights
summarize this content under 21 words Super Saturday: Titans v Warriors; Panthers v Raiders; Broncos v KnightsCan the Titans continue their recent good form and put a serious dent in the Warriors' minor premiership aspirations?Can the Raiders produce another miracle in Mudgee or will the Panthers tighten their grip in top spot?Can the Broncos give the Suncorp Stadium faithful something to cheer about or will Kalyn Ponga's return inspire the injury-hit Knights?
NRL.com
Can the Titans continue their recent good form and put a serious dent in the Warriors' minor premiership aspirations?
Can the Raiders produce another miracle in Mudgee or will the Panthers tighten their grip in top spot?
Can the Broncos give the Suncorp Stadium faithful something to cheer about or will Kalyn Ponga's return inspire the injury-hit Knights?
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Sat, 1st August, 2026, 11:02 AEST
NRLW Magic Round: Day 1 in Wagga Wagga
summarize this content under 21 words NRLW Magic Round: Day 1 in Wagga WaggaAll roads lead to Wagga Wagga this weekend as NRLW Magic Round showcases 12 teams across two sensational days of footy and fun.The Saturday action kicks off with the Sharks and Wests Tigers out to turn their fortunes around after a slow start to the season before the unbeaten Roosters look to make it five on the trot against the Dragons.The final instalment on Saturday's card brings together a Raiders side looking to rediscover their form from the opening two rounds and the winless Cowboys, who have conceded 156 points and scored just 32 across the first four games.
NRL.com
All roads lead to Wagga Wagga this weekend as NRLW Magic Round showcases 12 teams across two sensational days of footy and fun.
The Saturday action kicks off with the Sharks and Wests Tigers out to turn their fortunes around after a slow start to the season before the unbeaten Roosters look to make it five on the trot against the Dragons.
The final instalment on Saturday's card brings together a Raiders side looking to rediscover their form from the opening two rounds and the winless Cowboys, who have conceded 156 points and scored just 32 across the first four games.
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Sat, 1st August, 2026, 7:22 AEST
NRL 2026: Inside Joseph Tapine's rise at Canberra Raiders, background, Ricky Stuart
Raiders faced criticism early but improved after shifting players, unlocking potential and enhancing performance in the season.
Fox League
In Canberra, nobody expects the Sydney press to give the Raiders their due.
The blokes in the changeroom know the reality - performing for a high-profile Sydney club will always get bigger headlines than doing the heavy lifting in green.
So, when the predictions came out that the wheels would fall off after the 2025 Minor Premiership, nobody down south was surprised.
For the first half of this year, the critics actually looked right. The Raiders stumbled, slid down the ladder, and looked completely out of rhythm.
But the ship is turning. Shifting Ethan Strange back to his preferred left edge has unlocked his natural weapons and given Kaeo Weekes the space he needs to cause absolute havoc.
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