Raiders Now Minor Premiership Favourites, But Lapses Could Ruin September…
The Canberra Raiders have surged into minor premiership favouritism after a string of gritty wins, climbing to the top of the ladder. Led by a resurgent forward pack and tactical shifts in the spine, Ricky Stuart’s side now controls its own destiny heading into the final rounds.

However, inconsistency remains a concern. The Green Machine has shown worrying defensive lapses and periods of ill-discipline, allowing teams back into contests they should have sealed. If these errors persist, they risk an early finals exit despite their regular-season form.
With stars like Jordan Rapana, Hudson Young and Joseph Tapine in form, the Raiders look built for a deep run. But they must maintain focus, especially against top-eight rivals, to convert minor premiership hopes into premiership reality.