Double vision: Raiders look into shifting two games next year

The Canberra Raiders are looking at taking a game to the bush to create regional rugby league history.

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Raiders bigwigs met the Wagga Wagga City Council on Thursday to discuss the possibility of taking an NRL game to the Riverina for the first time since 2023.

Raiders are looking into an historic double header at Wagga Wagga next season. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, AAP Images

But following the success of hosting NRLW Magic Round this year, the idea has grown into a historic double-header.

The Raiders are working with the NRL to investigate the possibility of hosting an NRL and an NRLW game at Wagga Wagga next year.

It would be the first time a men's and women's double-header has been held in the bush for premiership points.

The Raiders played four NRL games in Wagga Wagga from 2019 to 2023, with the last one a thrilling 31-30 victory over the Dolphins three years ago.

Plus, they played the Cowboys there as part of NRLW Magic Round in August.

That four-year NRL absence looks set to end next year.

Raiders chief operating officer Jason Mathie said discussions were in their early stages, but the NRL received the idea positively.

"The Raiders are very open to revisit going to Wagga Wagga in '27," Mathie told The Canberra Times.

"Not only because it strengthens our club brand and consolidates what we do in the extended areas beyond Canberra, but we haven't been to that area since 2023.

"We'd like to get out there in '27 if we can make it work."

The Raiders met the NRL this week to discuss the draw, which is expected to be released in November.

They've provided a list of submissions to the governing body for the home games they'll play at Canberra Stadium next season.

The Raiders have put forward the names of three clubs they wish to host in 2027 - Penrith, the Broncos and South Sydney.

Souths games at Canberra Stadium have had consistently strong crowds in recent years, with 19,659 turning up in round 20 this season.

Premiership favourites Penrith continue to be the benchmark of the NRL, while the Raiders have developed a strong rivalry with Brisbane following the 2025 qualifying final.

Talks with the NRL indicate those games look "doable", although nothing is set in stone until all clubs' submissions are taken into account and the draw is finalised.

Round one will be held on the first weekend in March, with the Las Vegas games to take place on February 28 (Australian time).

The Raiders have also asked if all home games from July onwards could be in the 2pm, 3pm and 5.30pm timeslots to avoid the worst of Canberra's winter.

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