The Raiders are on track for their first minor premiership since 1990 but the message from the NRL competition leaders remains clear - the job isn't done yet.
"We’re not finished, we still have a long way in the season to go, and we still have those targets we want to hit,” hat-trick hero Kaeo Weekes said after Canberra's seventh consecutive win.
With the Bulldogs losing to Brisbane last Friday night, the Raiders are now two points clear of second place with a bye this weekend and another one in Round 24.
The Green Machine hasn't been on top of the premiership ladder after 18 Rounds since the establishment of the NRL in 1998.
The Raiders only minor premiership win was in 1990 when Mal Meninga, Ricky Stuart, Laurie Daley and Bradley Clyde led the club to back-to-back grand final wins.
Kaeo Weekes 3rd Try
With Stuart as coach, Canberra have developed a culture grounded in resilience, accountability and genuine belief in one another.
Those traits are now translating into consistent performances, like Saturday's 28-24 defeat of the Dragons at GIO Stadium.
“It is just belief. We all believe in each other, we all believe in what we’re buying into and what we have here," Weekes said.
"Confidence is high. We are all backing each other and yeah, Stick has been doing a great job in the off season and this season, and we have got some big targets that we want to achieve. Slowly but surely, I am sure we will get there.”
It’s that confidence that has allowed young players like Weekes to flourish. Stuart’s faith in his squad, particularly the emerging talents, has fostered a tight-knit group that holds each other accountable and celebrates shared success.
Kaeo Weekes 1st Try
“Just hard work, I think. Everyone wants to turn up for each other, everyone wants to work hard for each other, and no one wants to be that person letting each other down," Weekes said.
"Stick puts a big challenge to us before every game to go out there and keep improving, keep getting better in each game. I think we are doing that so far.” Weekes said post-game.
When the Raiders needed a spark, Weekes lit the fuse in a performance that doesn’t just turn heads – it turns momentum.
The 22-year-old fullback lit up GIO Stadium, scoring a hat-trick, running for a mammoth 346 metres, and chalking up two-line breaks, as well as a try assist.
Kaeo Weekes 2nd Try
Yet for Weekes, it's not about the numbers; it's about repaying the trust and the hard work of those around him.
“It’s all on the back of hard work from the boys. Our middles do such a great job for us and if I can repay that, just a little bit, I’m happy to do that.” Weekes told NRL.com.
Weekes' hat-trick saw him score two spectacular length of the field tries, including one try of the year contender in which he beat seven St George Illawarra defenders.
“I think it is just a spur-of-the-moment type thing,” Weekes said of his playmaking.
“I’m just playing footy at the end of the day. I love playing footy and Stick puts a lot of confidence into us to go out there and back our abilities.”
Then came the celebration as part of the NRL’s Try July initiative; a reminder that footy is as much about the fun then it is about fierceness.
“It’s Try July,” Weeks said with a smile.
“I think it was just a spur-of-the-moment type of thing. Yeah, it was a good one for the boys and good to come back in and play in front of a home crowd again.”
Canberra's home crowd, often cited as one of the most loyal in the league, has become an integral part of their momentum this season. After a stretch of away games, Weekes acknowledged the energy that comes from playing in Canberra.
What a Viking Clap!
“We have been away for a couple of weeks, so it is good to be back here and playing in front of our home fans," he said.
"They came up to western Sydney, they came up to Newcastle. So, it’s good to put a half decent good performance in front of them at home. We have a couple more home games to go and yeah, will be looking to turn up again."
