Despite a break in the rain, the government has cancelled all matches and training scheduled until at least Monday. Some privately owned venues - including Viking Park and school fields - may opt to continue with fixtures, while games on synthetic surfaces will go ahead.

The Bureau of Meteorology expects light showers on Friday and decreased chance of rain on the weekend, but the downpour on Thursday prompted the government's decision.

There was 43.8 millimetres of rain in Canberra over 22 hours on Thursday and even more in Tuggeranong.

The timing couldn't be worse for most senior competitions, with many about to start their finals campaigns.

Cancelling fixtures could cost teams a chance of earning a play-off spot, while the AFL Canberra lower grades were due to start their finals series this weekend.

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"All ACT government turf sports grounds will remain closed for the weekend ... due to heavy rainfalls," the government said.

"Closures include turf sports grounds but exclude the Melrose and Nicholls synthetic fields and the Woden athletics track.

"The decision has been taken in order to minimise damage to turf surfaces after recent rainfall and residual moisture content.

"The condition of the grounds will continue to be assessed with any decision on re-opening sports grounds to be made on Monday."

Sports have been forced to weather disruptions this year after two COVID-19 interrupted years.

The regular closure of grounds to protect the turf is a source of tension in some circles.

The government closes grounds to protect the turf in an attempt to avoid hard and destroyed playing surfaces when they eventually dry out.

The Canberra Raiders, however, are hoping a big crowd will still turn up for their NRL blockbuster against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday afternoon.

Minimal rain is expected on Saturday and Raiders ticket sales were strong before the wet weather on Thursday.

The Green Machine were hoping to attract up to 18,000 fans to get one of their biggest crowds at home in the past few years.

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