Another dismal season in Canberra is raising questions about more than just Ricky Stuart 's recent coaching record, with expansion of the NRL now seeming unlikely unless existing clubs fold or re-locate.

Like Gold Coast Titans, the Raiders are under threat from AFL and some within the game are beginning to wonder about the long term viability of both clubs in their current locations.

Cause for concern: Small crowds and poor results raises questions regarding the long-term viability of the Canberra Raiders. Credit:Melissa Adams

The crowd at Sunday's 54-18 loss to the Warriors was Canberra's lowest of the season and the Raiders are set to record their worst attendance figures since before the Green Machine era when they averaged 6918 fans per match at Seiffert Oval in 1987.

Their average home attendance so far this season is 9220 - the first year that crowds have dipped below 10,000 since 2001 and just the third since the then-premiers moved to GIO Stadium in 1990.