**Canberra Raiders Claim Top Spot on NRL Ladder After Round 17! **
The Canberra Raiders have surged to the top of the NRL ladder following a hard-fought win in Round 17, marking a major milestone in their 2025 campaign. With a gritty 24-18 victory over the Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium, the Green Machine now sits proudly at number one, edging out close rivals in one of the tightest seasons in recent memory.
Star fullback Jordan Rapana delivered a standout performance, bagging a try and setting up another, while the Raiders’ forward pack once again proved dominant in both attack and defence. Coach Ricky Stuart praised the team’s discipline and resilience, calling the win “a reward for consistency and belief.”
With a 12-4 record and a growing sense of momentum, the Raiders are now firmly in premiership contention. Fans are daring to dream of a return to grand final glory for the first time since 1994.
Round 18 will see Canberra take on the Melbourne Storm in what promises to be a blockbuster clash. With the top spot now theirs, all eyes will be on whether the Raiders can maintain their lead as the finals race heats up. One thing’s for sure—Canberra means business
in 2025.
