Canberra Raiders

On the 30th of March, 1981, the Canberra Raiders were admitted into the NSWRL competition along with one other team, the Illawarra Steelers.

Don Furner was installed as head coach and ex-Tiger David ‘Nana’ Grant (RIP) was named captain of the 1st grade side.

The Raiders jersey was designed by local resident Patricia Taylor who used the lime green, blue, gold & white to represent both the ACT colours and the colours of the first Rugby League team in the area, Hall.

Although the first season was tough going for the new team, local support was strong with crowds at Seiffert Oval averaging around 10,000.

The fans were rewarded for their support on the 18th of April when the Raiders took their first ever scalp, 1981 Grand Finalists the Newtown Jets. Down 11-7 late in the game, try-scoring whiz Chris O’Sullivan crossed to push the Raiders ahead 12-11 and the slim lead was held until the final siren.

3 more wins would come in ’82, including one over St George in front of a record Seiffert crowd of 13,758. Off the field the Canberra Raiders Supporters Club was born and workhorse Jon Hardy took out the club’s inaugaral Best & Fairest award.