NRL 2025: Canberra Raiders win 22-16 over Penrith Panthers in Pre-season Challenge match

The Raiders have invested heavily in youth and the gamble looks to be paying off, as a host of rookies impressed as Canberra held off a Panthers comeback to claim victory.

Raiders fans would have loved what they saw from Ethan Sanders as the youngster steered his side to an encouraging 22-16 win over Penrith, but it’s a performance that will have Eels supporters dreading that they ever let him go.

Sanders is unlikely to start the season in the halves but he showed that he has all the class to be a long-term No.7 in Canberra as he overcame an early missed tackle to lead the team’s generation next to victory.

This wasn’t the Penrith team that has won four titles in a row, but it was still good to see him lead the Green Machine around the park, with the young playmaker setting up the opening try when he dummied, took on the line and offloaded to Simi Sasagi who crashed over.

The Raiders have invested heavily in youth, and Ricky Stuart would have been impressed by his troops, with fullback Chevy Stewart showing all the speed and bravery under the high ball that earned him a crack in the NRL side last year.

Raiders recruit Ethan Sanders impressed in his first outing for the club. Picture: NRL Imagery

COMBINATIONS

While the Raiders spine clicked at important times, the same can’t be said for the Panthers who were missing big guns like Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards but still had a few guys there with plenty of experience.

Brad Schneider missed the chance to impress as he battles with new recruit Blaize Talagi to replace Jarome Luai at five-eighth, while Daine Laurie was quiet but played a part in his side’s first try.

Brad Schneider failed to impress. Picture: NRL Imagery

RECRUIT WATCH

There was nothing flashy from Isaiah Papali’i on the left edge, but he did more than enough to suggest he’ll be a key signing for the Panthers.

The former Eel had seven runs for 41 metres in his 50-minute stint, with Papali’i likely to get more game-time next week alongside Talagi as they build on their new combination.

Matty Nicholson also had some nice moments for the Raiders, with the English forward forcing an error from Papali’i as he looked to barge over from close range.

Panthers recruit Isaiah Papali’i was kept in check. Picture: NRL Imagery

ROOKIE WATCH

Canberra’s generation next all had their moments on Saturday night, but it was Owen Pattie who might have had the biggest impact with the young gun showing why he’s being spoken about as a genuine option in the hooking rotation.

The 21-year-old played 12 games in reserve grade last season but looks like he can handle the big stage after he crossed twice in a manner of minutes to blow the game wide open.

He burrowed over from dummy-half for his first and then pounced on a loose ball after the Panthers failed to defuse an Ethan Sanders grubber.

That second try came on the back of a big Jed Stuart break down the left edge, with the winger showing his father that he’s got the skills to make it in the NRL.

Raiders rookie Owen Pattie impressed, scoring two tries in three minutes. Picture: Getty Images

HOT TAKE

The Raiders have been a popular pick for the wooden spoon in recent years, but Stuart’s side will sneak into the top eight this season.

The youngsters are the cherry on top for a team that boasts one of the most fearsome forward packs in the competition, while their outside backs are aggressive and have the speed to trouble most teams.

FINAL SAY

Grand finals aren’t won in February so the Panthers have absolutely nothing to worry about, with their stars to benefit from a scrimmage before they head to Las Vegas.

Coach Ivan Cleary won’t take too much out of the game, but he would have been pleased with Casey McLean who made plenty of metres and all but sealed a starting spot as his side stormed home late with a couple of tries.

Originally published as NRL 2025: Canberra Raiders win 22-16 over Penrith Panthers in Pre-season Challenge match