Canberra Raiders apply to ACT government to bring NRL back to Canberra Stadium

Raiders chief executive Don Furner says the club has sought approval from the ACT government to host the St George Illawarra Dragons at Canberra Stadium on July 3.

Favourable responses from the government suggest Canberra's fate will be decided by supremos at Rugby League Central with more clubs jostling for returns to their own home turf.

The Raiders have been forced to play home games at Campbelltown Stadium to cope with the NRL's biosecurity measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It is understood broadcast costs have had a major role to play in NRL's decision to limit games to six venues, however it looks increasingly likely stadium restrictions will be eased in the coming weeks.

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"We've got applications in with the ACT government and the NRL to fast track that, so rather than return here in round 11, we'll try to get back early. That's what we're hoping for," Furner said.

"The [ACT] Brumbies play here [in the Super Rugby AU opener] that weekend. The government are happy with everything we have put in place.

"We report to them every week, we put all of our biosecurity measures in place before we were allowed to train here, we had to get that approval from them and that was a month and a half ago.

"We've done everything they have asked for which is fine. I think we're getting favourable responses from them at the moment, we've just got to wait for something official from them and then we will go through the NRL.

"Hopefully this week we find out, so then that would mean this week will be our last home game at Campbelltown."

Canberra Stadium officials are working through operation plans for NRL games with government officials and the ACT Chief Medical Officer.

Raiders chiefs will meet with stadium management on Friday for an update on their ability to host games in the capital.

Small groups of fans have been allowed through the gates at games elsewhere, with that number set to swell in the coming weeks as COVID-19-imposed restrictions ease.

Raiders officials remain steadfast in their belief club members will be given first right to access tickets, with the ticketing process set to hinge on venue capacity, access restrictions, and seating arrangements.

The ACT government is open to small crowds attending games in Canberra in a huge boost to the Raiders' bid for an early return.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr has opened the door for one at the Brumbies' game against the Melbourne Rebels on July 4.

Submissions must be made to the Chief Health Officer after the stadium was closed as part of the ACT non-essential business shutdown in March and is not scheduled to be reopened until July 7.

The Raiders were initially going to be kept away from playing at Canberra Stadium until at least round 11, when they will meet the South Sydney Rabbitohs on July 25.

An earlier homecoming will be a huge boost with Ricky Stuart's squad, who would then be able to play seven matches on their actual home turf. Home games against the Dragons and Melbourne, both scheduled for Campbelltown, would be moved to Canberra.