Raiders v Storm: The Queanbeyan homecoming you need this Friday
Alright NRL tragics, press pause on the lawn mowing and dust off your stubby holders because this Friday, Seiffert Oval is coming to life with footy nostalgia, fresh talent and a healthy dose of Queanbeyan pride.
The Canberra Raiders are kicking off their 2026 season with a pre-season bang, facing the Melbourne Storm in Round 2 of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. And where better than Seiffert – the spiritual home of lime green, where legends were born and the bar queue moves slower than a front-rower on Mad Monday (just kidding Rocky).
Game day details
🗓 Friday 13 February 2026
🕒 Kick-off: 5.30pm (Gates open 2.45pm)
📍 Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan
🎟 Tickets: $10 general admission (grand stand tickets sold out). Grab a ticket here
🤍 Game Day Charity: Respite Care for Queanbeyan
📺 Live stream on Fox League or Kayo (for the unlucky ones stuck at home)
There’s a Raiders v Storm Jersey Flegg match at 3pm – so rock up early to cheer on the next Corey Horsburgh (or the next poor bugger tasked with tackling him).
What’s on offer
- Post-game – fans on the field: Once the ground announcer says so, you can head onto the field for pics and autographs with your favourite players.
- Merchandise outlets: The Raiders Shop will be located on the eastern side of the ground. The outlet will open at 2.45pm and run until NRL full-time.
- Raiders Fan Zone
- Food vendors, bar & beverages
- Roaming Raiders mascots
The Raiders side: New blood meets familiar bite
Coach Ricky Stuart has named a squad that’s equal parts experimentation and excitement. Think of it as a sneak peek at who’s hot and who’s hopeful – and whether or not we’re a chance at taking home the Minor Premiership again this year (or even better – the major one!)
Xavier Savage is back and ready to burn grass.
Daine Laurie debuts after hopping over from the Panthers.
Tom Starling, Seb Kris, and Matt Timoko bring grit and game smarts.
The Storm side
Never underestimate a Craig Bellamy trial side. Expect the Storm to roll into town with a busload of future Origin wrecking balls you’ve never heard of. They play fast and hit hard, so bring your voice and let’s make Seiffert loud.
Why you should come
Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner and QPRC Mayor Kenrick Winchester will no doubt wear the lime green for this Friday’s game.
This isn’t just another trial. It’s a homecoming. Seiffert Oval was the Raiders’ original battleground back in 1982, when hair was longer, shorts were shorter, and half the squad still worked at the Queanbeyan Leagues Club on the side. Returning to Q-Town is a nod to the past – and a love letter to the city that built the Raiders before Canberra claimed them.
So wear your old jersey, bring a folding chair and grab a sausage sanga to raise money for Yvonne Cuschieri’s Dream: Respite Care for Queanbeyan. This is the Raiders at home – in every sense of the word.
About the Author: Briony Winchester
Part bogan, part wannabe plus-size model and part journalist, Bree's the woman behind Q! News. A born storyteller, she's been writing locally, nationally and internationally for more than 30 years.
