Raiders boss Don Furner says it's a "no-brainer" to have six afternoon games in Canberra next season, praising the NRL for taking control of the draw and giving clubs time to plan for the future.
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The Raiders will play half of their home matches during the day next season, including three in the last four rounds of the regular season when they will be chasing finals redemption.
Canberra's pleas for day games has fallen on deaf ears in the past when broadcasters decided the timeslots, despite fans freezing in sub-zero temperatures.
But the NRL has taken back control of the draw and the Raiders will play in Canberra at night just twice in winter after the league published the draw on Thursday.
"The NRL have definitely listened to us and they have more of a say in the structure," Furner said.
"Up until now their hands have been tied because of the structure. I remember when we would get our fixtures two weeks before the game.
"Now we and the fans have a chance to plan and it's out earlier than I can remember. It's give and take.
"The draw is a very hard thing to do, but we're happy. When you think about it, it's a no-brainer we should have afternoon games in winter.
"If we [as a club and fans] can show them it works and it becomes a bit of a norm for us."
The Raiders will play their first home game on March 18 in the unfamiliar 6.30pm timeslot on Sunday, but the club will enjoy three afternoon matches in Canberra in rounds 22, 23 and 24.
The Green Machine will also enjoy five free-to-air matches, an increase from four this year, after traditionally being shunned by broadcaster Channel Nine.
Some key points of the Raiders' draw are:
- The first three home games will be night-time fixtures before the end of April, taking advantage of warmer conditions in Canberra;
- The Raiders have two Friday 6pm home games and one Thursday night home match;
- They will play four home games in the first six rounds of the season;
- The Raiders will avoid defending premier the Melbourne Storm until round 20 and only play them once next year.
The Raiders will play just three night-matches in Canberra from May 5 to August 31 in what is a massive win for Canberra fans.
The Raiders attracted their biggest crowd support in 22 years this season and Furner says the club is hoping to grow its base again next year.
RAIDERS NRL DRAW 2018 (home matches in bold)
Round one, March 11: Raiders v Titans at Gold Coast, 6.30pm.
Round two, March 18: Raiders v Knights at Canberra Stadium, 6.30pm.
Round three, March 24: Raiders v Warriors at Canberra Stadium, 3pm.
Round four: March 31: Raiders v Manly at Brookvale, 7.30pm.
Round five: April 5: Raiders v Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium, 7.50pm.
Round six, April 14: Raiders v Parramatta at Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm.
Round seven, April 21: Raiders v Rabbitohs at Central Coast, 3pm.
Round eight, April 28: Raiders v Cowboys at Townsville, 7.30pm.
Round nine, May 5: Raiders v Titans at Canberra Stadium, 3pm.
Round 10, May 13: Raiders v Sharks at Canberra Stadium, 4.10pm.
Round 11, May 20: Raiders v Dragons at Mudgee, 2pm.
Round 12, May 25: Raiders v Manly at Canberra Stadium, 6pm.
Round 13: bye
Round 14, June 8: Raiders v Panthers at Canberra Stadium, 6pm.
Round 15, June 17: Raiders v Tigers at Campbelltown, 4.10pm.
Round 16, June 30: Raiders v Broncos at Brisbane, 7.30pm.
Round 17, July 7: Raiders v Bulldogs at Belmore, 7.30pm.
Round 18, July 14: Raiders v Cowboys at Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm.
Round 19, July 20: Raiders v Sharks at Cronulla, 6pm.
Round 20, July 28: Raiders v Storm at Melbourne, 7.30pm.
Round 21, August 5: Raiders v Panthers at Penrith, 4.10pm.
Round 22, August 12: Raiders v Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 2pm.
Round 23, August 19: Raiders v Roosters at Canberra Stadium, 4.10pm.
Round 24, August 25: Raiders v Rabbitohs at Canberra Stadium, 3pm.
Round 25, August 31: Raiders v Warriors at Auckland, 6pm.
