Steve Currie and his kids are some of the Canberra Raiders’ most passionate fans. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Digging into a lime-green cupcake on Grand Final Day is one of Steve Currie’s earliest and most precious childhood memories.
Loungeroom cheers for the Canberra Raiders alongside mum and dad soon turned into regular game days at GIO Stadium. It’s a family tradition Steve proudly continues with his own kids.
Being a Raiders fan isn’t always easy. Still, home games at GIO Stadium are rarely short of warm bodies (no matter the temperature).
The Canberra team kicked off 2025 as favourites for the wooden spoon – that is, until one of the most gripping storylines in the NRL began to unfold. This season had fans on the edge of their seats time and time again, ending with the Raiders’ first silverware in more than three decades.
Steve looks back in awe on the minor premiers’ golden-point victory on 22 August against then-reigning champs, the Penrith Panthers.
During the final moments of round 25 in Mudgee, Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary kicked for a field goal but hit the posts, allowing five-eighth Ethan Strange to storm up the field.
The result? The ‘Miracle in Mudgee’ – a spine-tingling 100-metre try, landed with plenty of flair by fullback Kaeo Weekes.
“We were a bit resigned to defeat watching that kick, so the energy when Cleary missed the mark was absolutely wild,” Steve says.
“Our whole family was on their feet. We experienced all the highs and lows of sport in under a minute, and still managed to bring home the win, 20 points to 16.”
Steve was one of more than 25,000 members supporting the Canberra Raiders this season. With 2026 memberships already rolling in, the Green Machine shows no signs of slowing down.
Becoming a member of Canberra’s favourite footy team locks in all the usual perks, including merch packs, priority ticketing, and discounts on food and drink at home games.
For Steve, the biggest drawcard is the member community itself.
“Game day is a real family affair,” he says.
“About 17 of us are members, so it’s a big group with parents, kids, partners and siblings all getting involved.
“Having the same seats over the season also means you get to know other members around you, so the sense of belonging runs deeper than just being one of the crowd.”
Reserved seat packages offer vantage points from the grandstand, inner bowl, or terrace at GIO Stadium. If you’re not too fussed on seats, general admission memberships range from four games to a full season.
Can’t make it to the arena? Digital supporter packages keep even the most dedicated homebodies connected.
Michele joined up last season and has never looked back. Photo: Michele Smith.
Michele is a new addition to the Raiders family. She was hooked from her very first home game earlier this year.
“I’ve always watched along at home, but it simply doesn’t compare to the energy at GIO Stadium,” Michele says.
“There’s just so much happening around you. Fire flares, drums, horns, and the Viking Clap build an incredible atmosphere.
“I thought I’d be embarrassed jumping around when the Raiders score a try, but everyone else is just as excited. Being part of a massive crowd with everyone on their feet cheering along is really something.”
Michele immediately felt at home among the fanbase, which is well-known for its diversity.
She also appreciates how hard the Raiders work off the field, running junior sports clinics and showing their support for local charities.
Whether they were drawn in by players’ community spirit or the iconic Viking Clap, it’s pretty safe to say every Raiders fan wears their bright green jersey with pride.
“Ours is a genuine community that shows up for its people,” Steve says.
“People whinge about the cold, of course, but we’re Canberrans! We don our green scarves, beanies and puffer jackets, and brave the chill to make some noise for our home team.
“Without a doubt, the Raiders are woven deep into the fabric of our city. Being part of that is pretty special.”
Canberra Raiders memberships for the 2026 season are now on sale. For more information or to explore packages, visit Canberra Raiders: Membership.
