Canberra Raiders eye deep finals run as season enters decisive phase

The Canberra Raiders are positioning themselves for a serious finals assault as the 2026 NRL season enters its closing stretch, with coach Ricky Stuart's squad showing the resilience and firepower needed to challenge the competition's elite.

The Raiders sit firmly in the top eight as of mid-July, but as the league's ladder compresses, every match from here carries the weight of a playoff decider. For a team that has made the finals in three of the past four seasons, the expectation is not just participation-it's about making noise when it matters most.

Assembling the pieces for October

At the heart of Canberra's push is a forward pack that has bullied opponents through the middle third, laying the platform for a backline that has begun to click in recent weeks. Goulburn junior and local product Jack Wighton continues to provide the attacking spark, while Hudson Young's edge presence has been a constant threat.

The key for the Raiders has been consistency. In previous seasons, they have shown the ability to beat the competition's top sides-knocking off premiers like Penrith and Melbourne-only to drop games against lower-ranked opposition. This year, the pattern has been different. The squad has shown a grit and defensive commitment that suggests a shift in mentality.

Stuart's tactical adjustments on the run have also been a hallmark. The side has adapted its attack to incorporate more second-phase play, a shift that has opened up space for outside backs and created mismatches against tired defences.

The path forward and what's at stake

Canberra's remaining schedule includes several matches against fellow finals contenders, offering the perfect litmus test ahead of the postseason. The Raiders will need to secure wins against teams like the Storm and Eels to lock in a top-four berth and secure a crucial home final at GIO Stadium.

Injury management will be critical. The club has kept its key playmakers largely fit through the season, but the physical toll of the NRL campaign is undeniable. Stuart and his medical staff have been rotating the squad carefully, ensuring that the Raiders peak at the right time.

For the fans packed into the stands in Bruce-and the thousands more watching from pubs across Canberra's city centre-the belief is tangible. The Green Machine has the roster, the system and the hunger to go deep into October. Now it's about execution.

The next four weeks will define the season. If Canberra can continue to build its style and confidence, there is every chance the capital's side will be playing deep into the finals. The stage is set-the Raiders just need to take it.