The Raiders against the Cowboys in 2024. Photo: Jayze Photography.
If the Raiders were looking for inspiration in 2025, they need only look at the final three games played in 2024.
With victories over the premiers, the Panthers, along with the Roosters and the Dragons, the Raiders came excruciatingly close to making the finals.
In the end, the Raiders’ terrible for-and-against crushed their chances as they finished on the same points at the eighth-placed Newcastle.
But there was a silver lining – an indication of their potential.
In 2025, there will be no Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead, though.
The Raiders will miss the competitive spirit and experience of both players, but the emergence of Kaeo Weekes at fullback and the return of a fully fit Zac Hosking will ensure both positions are well covered.
I think the appointment of Joe Tapine as captain is a good choice following the departure of Whitehead, with Tapine well-respected within the playing group.
Joe Tapine captains the Canberra Raiders in 2025. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
The unknown, of course, revolves around injuries. As we saw last season, Canberra struggled when Jamal Fogarty was out for 12 weeks after suffering a torn bicep.
The Raiders now have a certain amount of depth following the signing of young Parramatta half-back Ethan Sanders.
Other new signings of note are Englishman Matty Nicholson and Dragon’s centre Savelio Tamale.
How both will fit into the mix remains unknown.
Despite minimal changes to personnel, there are question marks over the roster, which is largely unchanged from 2024.
Depth at hooker is one concern, with Tom Starling and Danny Levi both considered established first graders. This is the reason why the Raiders went so hard for Warrington’s number nine, Danny Walker, only to be thwarted by the demand for a substantial transfer fee.
Tom Starling joined the Raiders in 2019. Photo: Liv Cameron.
There are also questions about Matt Timoko and Sebastian Kris. Both players were inconsistent. At times, they played to their potential, whilst otherwise, they appeared to dip in and out of games through the season. It wasn’t just in attack; defensive frailties were exposed as well.
A packed GIO Stadium watch on as Matthew Timoko takes on the Tigers. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
The emergence of Weekes, Ethan Strange, and a significantly tougher Xavier Savage has provided optimism amongst Raiders fans.
Strange is fearless, Weekes can create something out of nothing, and Savage, with his pace, provides a glimpse into the potential this Raiders side has over the next couple of years.
Josh Papali’i, in his last season, will be fascinating to watch. The same applies to Corey Horsburgh, who had somewhat of a renaissance in the last few games of 2024.
There is a feeling that it is going to be a roller coaster year for the Raiders.
Hang on for the ride!
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