As the Canberra Raiders march towards the tail end of the 2025 season, the prospect of hosting two home finals looms.
According to Fox League, with five games to go and a “soft draw”, the Canberra side look certainties for a top two finish and two chances at home finals at GIO Stadium.
Raiders Centre Sebastian Kris said following the final home game at GIO Stadium on 30 August, the prospect of hosting home finals was very exciting.
“It’s something we’re starting to talk about,” he told CD at a press conference on 6 August.
“We’re finally at that back end of the season where it all matters.
“It would be good if we could win that home game and then hopefully bring a game here in the finals.”
For winger Xavier Savage, he said it was a definitely the team’s goal.
“At the end of the day, just to be able to secure that minor premiership and have those two finals is going to be huge for the community, Canberra,” he told CD.
“We have some of the best fans in the world and to be able to play in front of them in finals time would be unreal.
“I’ve never done that myself but that’s something I’m definitely looking forward to if we can secure that.”
For coach Ricky Stuart, the focus isn’t on the finals yet.
“Yes, there’s a lot still to play out in the whole competition,” he told CD at a press conference on 7 August.
“When you look at the draw, the tightness of the top four, the tightness of the bottom eight, it’s still so much to play out in this comp, and if you look too far ahead, you get burnt.
“So we really haven’t, and I’ll answer those questions if it happens; if it doesn’t, we’ll take what’s on offer to us. And the good thing we’ve got, everything’s in our own hands.”
An article published by Fox League predicts the Raiders will finish second on the ladder with a 100 per cent chance of finishing in the top eight, 99.3 per cent chance of finishing in the top four and 33.4 per cent chance of winning the minor premiership.
“The Raiders’ shock 18-12 loss to the Dragons ended their nine-match winning streak and closed the gap in the minor premiership race,” the article by Mark St John and Daniel Ramus said.
“Next up is a clash with the struggling Sea Eagles before their final bye, so it is crucial they get back in the winner’s circle.
“Ricky Stuart faces a challenge between going after a long-awaited first minor premiership in 35 years and resting some of his stars to ensure they are ready to make a tilt at a drought-breaking first title since 1994.
“But with five games to go and a soft draw, the Raiders look certainties for a top two finish and two chances at home finals at GIO Stadium.”
Canberra Daily would love to hear from you about a story idea in Canberra and the surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.
Feeling social? Follow Canberra Daily: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | Tik Tok | YouTube
