Rugby League News

Hudson Young will miss two games, and Josh Papali'i faces a possible six-week absence due to injuries.

The Canberra Times

Hudson Young will miss two matches in a huge blow for the Raiders just as they prepare for a blockbuster showdown against the in-form Wests Tigers.

And the Green Machine could also be without another experienced star for multiple games as Josh Papali'i awaits scans.

The club confirmed it will accept the early plea for Young's grade two careless high tackle charge on Melbourne fullback Sua Fa'alogo late in the Raiders' 26-22 win over the Storm in Bruce on Friday night.

The Raiders did not want to risk Young serving a three-game suspension if he fought his charge and lost, but the team will still be without the Origin back-rower for the next two games on the road against the Tigers and Gold Coast Titans.

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An independent board may take control of Canberra's stadium saga, addressing nearly 20 years of issues as urgent repairs and doubts about the venue's future grow.

The Canberra Times

The concept of an independent board taking control of Canberra's stadium saga in a bid to end almost 20 years of false dawns is gathering momentum - and a compelling case for potential for public and private investment could put the city back on the agenda.

"It's not the last throw of the dice," former ACT Brumbies chairman Matt Nobbs said. "But we need to think differently about how we approach it."

The future of Canberra Stadium has been debated across Canberra for 17 years with the ACT government's own documents revealing the venue's expiry date is coming next year, despite Chief Minister Andrew Barr claiming last year the stadium still has more than a decade left in its lifespan.

But a shattered coach's box that left an NRL coach requiring stitches, leaking ceilings in the change rooms and tunnel and foul smells wafting through the bowels of the stadium have sparked questions as to just how long they can keep the lights on in Bruce. And for a moment on Saturday night, it seemed like they couldn't - because a light tower at the western end of the ground didn't properly light up until almost three minutes into the ACT Brumbies' clash with the Fijian Drua.

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Matt Timoko returned to the NRL after mental challenges from contract speculation, with coach confirming his stay in Canberra despite links to other teams.

The Canberra Times

Canberra centre Matt Timoko has revealed how contract speculation surrounding him was mentally challenging, after making his return to the NRL.

Timoko had to sit on the sidelines while rumours circulated over his future with the Raiders, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but with options to extend for the 2027 and 2028 campaigns.

The Kiwi international was linked to a move to the Perth Bears and Warriors, but coach Ricky Stuart put the speculation to rest, saying he will be in Canberra for another year.

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Matt Timoko, after his first NRL start, is eager to secure his spot with the Raiders, dispelling transfer rumors and excited to stay through 2028.

The Canberra Times

Matt Timoko got a taste of what he'd missed in the NRL on Friday night in his first start of the season, and the Canberra Raiders centre is determined not to let go of his spot without a fight.

The 26-year-old also revealed the toll that reports about wanting out of the Raiders took on him in recent months, as he was linked to moves to the Warriors and Perth Bears.

Timoko said he was ecstatic to be remaining in the capital for at least another season next year, as coach Ricky Stuart confirmed the club would take up their contract option for 2027, with the door still open for 2028 too.

"It kind of just got blown out of proportion from journalists," Timoko said after the Raiders' 26-22 win over the Melbourne Storm at Bruce

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