Baby boomers: Not one, but two bundles of joy driving Raiders’ minor premiership tilt….
The Canberra Raiders’ push for the 2025 NRL minor premiership has an unexpected heartbeat — or rather, two. In a feel-good twist this season, co-captains Jack Wighton and Joe Tapine have both welcomed newborns into their families, and it seems the sleepless nights haven’t slowed them down one bit.
The pair, affectionately dubbed the “baby boomers” by teammates, have found a new gear on the field. Wighton has rediscovered his electric running game, while Tapine’s form in the middle has been relentless, steamrolling opposition packs and inspiring a younger forward unit around him.
Coach Ricky Stuart has praised the duo’s leadership, attributing much of the team’s on-field cohesion and off-field culture to their newfound perspective as fathers. “There’s a calmness, a maturity — they’re playing for more than just points,” he said.
With the Raiders sitting atop the ladder and finals looming, it’s clear the team is rallying around their family-first culture. The babies may be small, but their impact is proving mighty.
