On the 30th of March, 1981, the Canberra Raiders were admitted into the NSWRL competition along with one other team, the Illawarra Steelers.
Don Furner was installed as head coach and ex-Tiger David 'Nana' Grant (RIP) was named captain of the 1st grade side.
The Raiders jersey was designed by local resident Patricia Taylor who used the lime green, blue, gold & white to represent both the ACT colours and the colours of the first Rugby League team in the area, Hall.