Rookie touchdowns highlight Roughriders' debut despite loss

Rookie running back Quali Conley and Saskatoon native Daniel Wiebe made memorable CFL debuts for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, each scoring their first professional touchdowns. Although their individual successes came in a losing effort against Toronto, the game marked a significant milestone for both players.

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I’ve definitely pictured it, you know, I’ve wanted to play pro ball for as long as I can remember, so growing up in Sask it's what you want to be doing and to be able to do it means a ton and I just want to keep building.

For Wiebe, a product of Saskatoon and a former University of Saskatchewan Huskies alumnus, the moment was particularly poignant. Growing up in Saskatchewan, he idolized the Roughriders and dreamed of playing for the team. "I've definitely pictured it, you know, I've wanted to play pro ball for as long as I can remember, so growing up in Sask it's what you want to be doing and to be able to do it means a ton and I just want to keep building," Wiebe said. In his debut, he recorded two receptions for 48 yards, a touchdown, and contributed on special teams.

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Put him on the list, another first guy for me, took his touchdown card.

Quarterback Trevor Harris praised Wiebe's performance, calling him a "stud" and a deserving player of success. "It was awesome, it’s awesome, I’ll tell you what, there’s not a more deserving guy of having success than Danny Wiebe. He had a tremendous training camp; he just comes to work every day, dominates, he’s a stud," Harris added.

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It was awesome, it’s awesome, I’ll tell you what, there’s not a more deserving guy of having success than Danny Wiebe. He had a tremendous training camp; he just comes to work every day, dominates, he’s a stud.

Conley, thrust into a starting role, capitalized on the opportunity. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry on eight attempts, totaling 50 yards and his first career CFL touchdown. "It felt good, but it was a team effort. I felt like we were passing so well that the run just opened up," Conley commented, emphasizing the collective contribution to his score. Both rookies view this game, June 26, 2026, as just the beginning of their CFL careers.

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It felt good, but it was a team effort. I felt like we were passing so well that the run just opened up.