The Green Machine’s Next Challenge
The Canberra Raiders shocked many people in the 2025 NRL season. They started the year strongly and finished as Minor Premiers. Fans enjoyed watching them because they played exciting rugby league and often made big comebacks.
Now, in 2026, the team faces new challenges. The biggest change is the loss of their key halfback and leader, Jamal Fogarty, who left the club. This means coach Ricky Stuart must create a new plan and find the right players for the first game of the season. Fans are watching closely to see if the team can stay at the top.
Predicted Canberra Raiders Team List for Round 1 (NRL 2026)
Below is the expected starting team for Round 1. It includes star players, important re-signings, and young players ready to prove themselves.
Position – Player
- Fullback: Kaeo Weekes
- Wing: Savielo Tamale
- Centre: Matt Timoko
- Centre: Sebastian Kris
- Wing: Xavier Savage
- Five-eighth: Ethan Strange
- Halfback: Ethan Sanders
- Prop: Josh Papalii
- Hooker: Tom Starling
- Prop: Joe Tapine
- Second Row: Hudson Young
- Second Row: Zac Hosking
- Lock: Corey Horsburgh
- Interchange: Owen Pattie
- Interchange: Simi Sasagi
- Interchange: Matty Nicholson
- Interchange: Morgan Smithies
Latest Squad News and In-Depth Player Analysis
The New-Look Spine and Playmaking Concerns
The biggest change to the team is in the playmaking positions. Losing Jamal Fogarty is a major problem because he was a strong leader. The Raiders now look to new signing Ethan Sanders to take over the halfback role.
He will play with Ethan Strange, who keeps his spot at five-eighth after a strong 2025 season. This young halves pairing is very important. Their teamwork will decide how well the Raiders play in Round 1 and for the whole year.
At fullback, Kaeo Weekes is now the clear No. 1 after having a great season. He brings speed and confidence. Chevy Stewart will back him up if needed.
Backline Power and Consistency
The rest of the backline is stable and strong. Matt Timoko and Sebastian Kris will continue as the centres. On the wings, Xavier Savage brings great speed, while young talent Savielo Tamale is expected to start again after recovering from his knee injury.
A Dominant Forward Pack
The forwards are still the Raiders’ biggest strength. Veteran players Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine lead the front row and bring important experience.
In the second row, Hudson Young is a guaranteed starter. Zac Hosking and Matty Nicholson will fight for the other starting spot. Corey Horsburgh is expected to wear the No. 13 jersey at lock after improving his form last season.
ALSO Read: Suns Increase Havoc Defensively to Rattle Blazers
Hooker and Interchange Depth
Tom Starling remains the starting hooker after his best season in 2025. He will likely share the role with Owen Pattie coming from the bench. New signing Jayden Brailey will also push hard for a spot.
The bench should include Pattie, utility player Simi Sasagi, either Nicholson or Hosking, and workhorse Morgan Smithies. Other young players like Ata Mariota are also close to making the team. The club has added more young talent to the top-30 squad, showing they want to develop homegrown players.
Season Outlook: The Cohesion Challenge
The Raiders have a strong team that can finish in the top eight again in 2026. They have a powerful forward pack and a fast, exciting backline. Their biggest test will be replacing the leadership and control that Jamal Fogarty gave them.
If Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders work well together and grow quickly, the Raiders can make another big push toward the finals. Fans across Canberra and Australia will be watching closely as the season begins.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports, reliable sources, and expert predictions. The final Canberra Raiders Round 1 team list will be confirmed by the club closer to the start of the NRL 2026 season. Readers should cross-check updates from official club and news outlets.