Corey Parker fumes as Canberra Raiders miss out on Magic Round spot

Corey Parker has lashed the NRL after minor premiers Canberra had been revealed because the staff who would miss out on Magic Spherical subsequent season.

With an odd variety of groups once more subsequent 12 months earlier than the Perth Bears be a part of the fray in 2027, there was at all times going to be a staff not making the journey to Suncorp Stadium.

This time it will likely be the Raiders, who completed final season as JJ Giltinan Defend winners.

The choice hasn’t gone down nicely with Broncos nice Parker, who took to SEN Radio on Thursday morning to label the Inexperienced Machine’s absence as “ridiculous”.

“I am having a dig on the NRL,” he mentioned.

Raiders gamers rejoice at Magic Spherical 2025 Getty

“Magic Spherical, probably the most carnival-like rounds for the NRL, a pageant of stars come to Brisbane and descend on Suncorp Stadium and the minor premiers, the very best staff, probably the most constant staff all through the course of the season final 12 months, will not be there.

“[It is] an absolute shame … to not see the Raiders, who had been the very best staff final 12 months, and so they’re not a boring staff to look at. They have younger superstars, like [Kaeo] Weekes, Ethan Unusual, (Joe) Tapine and these gamers, why would not they be on present?

“Take a look at the sport they performed this 12 months, I believe they performed Melbourne on the final sport within the Sunday night time (sport), it was an absolute epic.

“Why aren’t we seeing the minor premiers this 12 months, on the massive stage right here at Suncorp subsequent 12 months. I believe it is ridiculous.”

Two rivalry video games have additionally been confirmed for subsequent season, with a grand ultimate rematch between the Broncos and Storm slated for spherical three.

The opposite key match-up confirmed will see the Tigers host the Bulldogs in spherical 13.

Lachlan Galvin (left) and Jarome Luai talk at full-time. — Lachlan Galvin and Jarome Luai Getty

The league have additionally confirmed the ladies’s Magic Spherical, which might be held in Wagga Wagga this season after a rain-affected version at Newcastle this 12 months.

Here is all the newest additions to the NRL’s 2026 draw.