Canberra Raiders Finals Hopes Fade After Tenth NRL Loss
The Canberra Raiders' prospects of competing in the 2026 NRL finals series are in severe doubt after the club slipped to 16th on the competition ladder. Coach Ricky Stuart offered a blunt assessment of the team's postseason chances following their tenth loss of the season against the Melbourne Storm on Sunday.
What did Ricky Stuart say about the Raiders' finals chances?
Less than nine months after securing the minor premiership, the Raiders' campaign has faltered significantly. When asked if the club could mount a late charge for back-to-back finals appearances, Stuart was candid about the situation.
I don't know,
Stuart said post-match. Rather than looking at the broader ladder, the coach is concentrating on the immediate week-to-week process. The Raiders are looking toward their upcoming bye in Round 18 as a critical turning point. They will face the St George Illawarra Dragons next weekend before the break.
How are injuries and fatigue affecting the Raiders?
Stuart highlighted the physical toll on his current squad, noting that several players have been carrying the load for an extended period. The return of key personnel after the bye is expected to provide fresh legs and renewed energy to a fatigued roster.
After the bye, we get a lot of our players back, which will be good because a lot of the boys are carried alone,
Stuart said. He expressed disappointment that the team could not secure wins in the weeks leading up to the bye, emphasizing how narrow losses compound into a negative mindset for the squad.
What went wrong against the Melbourne Storm?
The Raiders' latest defeat was particularly frustrating because they scored the opening three tries of the match. Stuart pointed to ill-discipline as the primary factor in the loss of momentum.
What I thought was going to be an 80-minute game turned into a 60-minute game. I was disappointed with some of the penalties that we gave away. Sometimes we just don't learn,
Stuart added. Penalties and errors consistently gave the Storm advantageous field position, allowing them to build momentum and overtake the Raiders' early lead.
Official statistics recorded 50 missed tackles for the Raiders, but Stuart dismissed the relevance of these figures. He argued that commercial tackle statistics are often incorrect and lack context, noting that the fast-paced nature of the game contributed to the high numbers on both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canberra Raiders' 2026 Season
Can the Canberra Raiders still make the NRL finals?
It is mathematically possible but increasingly unlikely. The Raiders are currently in 16th place past the midpoint of the season, and coach Ricky Stuart has openly expressed uncertainty about their ability to turn the campaign around.
Who do the Raiders play next in the NRL?
The Canberra Raiders will play the St George Illawarra Dragons next weekend before having a bye round in Round 18.