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The mighty Canberra Raiders made their New South Wales Rugby League debut back in 1982(along with the Illawarra Stealers). Within a few years, the Raiders had signed up several big named player like the big Queenslander, Mal Meninga, established players in Dean Lance, Chris O'Sullivan, John (Chicka) Ferguson and Ashley Gilbert, young local prospects in Laurie Daley, Glen Lazarus, Ricky Stuart and Bradley Clyde, and Queenslanders, Kevin and Steve Walters.
At the time the Canberra Raiders were included into the 1982 NSWRL competition, it was decided the colours of the club would be green and white. Canberra had no name at the time until the media referred to Canberra as the "Raiders" in the build up and the name stuck.
The newly formed Canberra Raiders 'green' uniform was designed by Ms Patricia Taylor in a public competition to decide the club uniform and was approved in 1981.
The colours are a combination of those used by the A.C.T. (blue and gold) and by the first in the district, Hall (green and white). The logo would be worn on the left breast of the jumper. It was to be circular with the words "Canberra Raiders " in gold on a blue outline and a raiders viking head on a green centre.
It took 5 years before the Raiders made their first Grand Final, in 1987. They played the Many Sea Eagles. But sadly they were beaten 18 - 8. I didn't take long before they had another chance to win a Grand Final because they were there again in 1989. This Grand Final will go down as one of the greatest Grand Finals in Australian Rugby League history. The Raiders were down by 10 points (12 - 2) at half time. But in the second half, the Raiders fought back to force the game into extra time because the scores were locked at 14 all. The players were exhausted but they fought on to win 19 - 14.
The Raiders were back in 1990 to defend their title against the Penrith Panthers. This win was very sweet because Canberra veterans John Ferguson, Chris O'Sullivan and Dean Lance were able to bow out of Rugby League winners.
Once again the Raiders were back the following year in 1991 to see if they could win 3 Grand Finals in a row. And ironically, they were up against the Penrith Panthers. Season 1991 was not a good one for the Raiders; the season was one of controversy. The Raiders had breeches their salary cap and were nearly $6.5 million dollars in debt. But the Raiders were defeated by the Panthers, 19 - 12.
The Raiders had to wait only 3 years to make their 5th Grand Final in 1994. The Raiders were up against the minor premiers, Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. This was meant to be a tough match because the teams were evenly matched. But the game didn't as planned. Canberra had lost the toss and had to kick off. Martin Bella, the Bulldogs prop, knocked on in goal trying to field the kickoff. Canberra received the ball and they scored in the corner in only the 3rd minute. That really typified what kind of game the Bulldogs had. The Raiders killed the Bulldogs by 36 - 12. This was a perfect way for the Raiders captain, Mal Meninga to bow out of the game, a winner.
Throughout the season 1995 and 1996, the Raiders were involved in the Super League and ARL debacle. None of the Raiders players were able to play representative football. But in 1997, the Super League competition is alive and the Raiders were very unlucky not to make the Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos because they were beaten in the major qualifying final by the Cronulla Sharks.
Now, in season 1998 there is a unified one competition. The NRL (National Rugby League) The Raiders did fairly well in season 1998 but were knocked out of the final by the Melbourne Storm, that’s right, the Melbourne Storm. Melbourne even has there own team now in the NRL. And they are a force to be reckoned with.
Season 1999 will be a major stepping stone for several of Canberra's youngsters such as the 2 mac's: Mark McLinden and Andrew McFadden. With the departure of long time Raiders legends Ricky Stuart and Bradley Clyde (both off to the Canterbury Bulldogs), Luke Priddis (off to the Brisbane Bronco's) and Brett Hetherington (off to the North Queensland Cowboys) the youngsters will have to step up into the departing players positions. But with Canberra's extensive program that develops the young talents, I am sure the youngsters will be more than adequate replacements for the vacant positions.