The Raiders junior male pathways continue to excel after reaching new heights in 2025 through strong academy programs and large catchment areas.
The Raiders Academy, which was established in 2022, is a regional development program set-up in Canberra, the South Coast, Wagga Wagga and Griffith to help young players prepare for the move into the club’s development squads and junior representative teams.
Raiders Academy program returns
The Raiders 2026 junior representative sides have reaped the rewards of the academy programs with an exceptional conversion rate of players from the academy to junior rep squads.
The following stats reinforce the club's strong foundations and their drive to identify local junior talent in our catchment areas.
Harold Matthews Cup
- 40 of the 41 players in the HM squad come from the Raiders Academy and Raiders 2025 Pathway squads.
- Harold Matthews Cup players draw from as far south as Merimbula and as far west as Carrathool and Forbes.
- The club have established a strong relationship with St Gregory's in Campbelltown, creating a new Raiders academy group.
The Raiders Academy program is set to return for its fourth year on Monday 17th, November.
SG Ball Cup
- 34 of the 38 players in squad come from a previous Raiders Pathway group/team.
- In 2025, the Raiders SG Ball Cup side were defeated in the semi-finals by the eventual winners, showcasing a strong season with improvement ahead.
- Several SG Ball Cup players experienced NRL preseason and Jersey Flegg training sessions.
- A large number of the squad relocated to Canberra for work and studies, further highlighting the club's importance of player welfare and education.
Canberra Raiders Pathways & Performance Manager Tim Wykes commented on the importance of the club's junior pathway and identifying talent in our catchment areas.
“The Raiders Regional Academy is an extremely important part of the Canberra Raiders Pathway program, as it allows the Canberra Raiders to have a positive impact in the areas we draw players from.
As a person who has spent a considerable amount of time in regional NSW and in my role as Pathways and Performance Manager for the Canberra Raiders, I can see firsthand how the Canberra Raiders are giving back to regional Rugby League in NSW and ACT.”
