If you want to beat the Canberra Raiders at home in 2025, you’d better have a good second half.
That message is loud and clear for NRL rivals after Ricky Stuart’s men delivered another stunning second-half shutout at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
For the second week running—and the third time in their last four home games—the Raiders have delivered a second half masterclass to deliver a heavy defeat to their visitors.
The latest victims were the Newcastle Knights who went to the sheds with scores level, 18-18, only to be blitzed in the second 40 minutes in a 44-18 thumping.
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Should Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien need a shoulder to cry on after the Round 21 loss, he need only call Jason Ryles who saw his Eels side belted 40-16 by the Raiders last weekend after leading 16-12 at half time.
If Ryles happens to be unavailable, Wayne Bennett would be another able to sympathise, having watched his Rabbitohs squad give up a 12-6 halftime lead to the Raiders back in Round 14, only to lose 36-12.
Raiders build on imposing home record in 2025
Following their latest win over the Knights, the ladder-leading Raiders have now won eight from nine home games in 2025—a significant statistic given the NRL has confirmed Canberra will play two finals at GIO Stadium assuming they finish in the top two, something that now seems increasingly likely.
The only blemish on the Raiders’ home record this season came back in Round 10 when, after leading 20-0 at half-time, they were mowed down by Cameron Ciraldo’s Bulldogs, 32-20.