The Canberra Raiders are poised to kick off their 2026 NRL home season with a massive Thursday night blockbuster, setting the stage for what could be another sold-out spectacle at Canberra Stadium.
A Blockbuster Start in the Capital
Fresh off their first minor premiership in 35 years, the Green Machine will host the Canterbury Bulldogs in round three on Thursday, March 19. This high-stakes clash is expected to be broadcast on free-to-air television, giving fans across the nation a front-row seat to the action. The full NRL draw will be officially released on Friday.
This fixture means the Raiders will begin their 2026 campaign with two consecutive away games before their highly anticipated homecoming. The decision sets up a thrilling early-season test against a Bulldogs side known for its passionate following.
Learning from a Classic Encounter
If last season's encounter is any indication, the round three match is destined for instant classic status. In May, a crowd of 23,867 packed into Canberra Stadium, creating a sell-out atmosphere for a game that delivered unbelievable drama.
The Raiders exploded out of the gates, building a commanding 20-0 half-time lead. However, the Bulldogs mounted a stunning second-half comeback, orchestrated by a Stephen Crichton masterclass, to steal a 32-20 victory. Despite the loss, that match sparked a nine-game winning streak that propelled Canberra to the top of the ladder at the end of the regular season.
A Fortress Reclaimed and a Full Slate of Home Games
The 2026 season marks a significant milestone for Raiders fans, as the team is scheduled to play all 12 of its home games at Canberra Stadium. This will be the first time since 2018 that the club has hosted a full slate of matches in the capital, ending a period where games were taken to Wagga Wagga, Las Vegas, and Brisbane for Magic Round.
This return to a full Canberra schedule is a major bonus for the local faithful, especially after the team transformed their home ground into a fortress in 2025. The Raiders won 10 of their 11 regular-season games in the ACT, a record that instilled immense pride and provided a formidable home-ground advantage.
While the Green Machine will have a bye during Magic Round, the trade-off of more genuine home games is seen as a positive for the club and its supporters. The season will officially commence for the Raiders with an away game against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Saturday, March 7.
Additionally, the team is expected to play an away game against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth as part of a double-header. Pre-season trials are also locked in, with one match at the historic Seiffert Oval and another in Gosford, fine-tuning the squad for the challenges ahead.
