Canberra Raiders: 2023 finish: 8th | 2024 finish: 9th
The Raiders slipped just one spot in 12 months, but crucially it was from eighth to the dreaded ninth place and they failed to make the finals by a whisker.
They actually finished equal eighth with Newcastle on the ladder, but for and against proved their undoing.
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The second-worst error rate and fewest line breaks in the competition cost Ricky Stuart’s men. Their attack was actually four points better than the Knights, but crucially, they conceded nearly 100 more points, which was enough for Newcastle to squeeze ahead.
The Raiders’ fall from finals footy can be put down largely to the departure of marquee man Jack Wighton over the summer.
Youngster Ethan Strange started the year strongly as the new player in the key five-eighth role but, as often happens to a rookie, he faded late in the season.
Another new face, Kaeo Weekes from Manly, proved a handy addition, shining at both halfback (when key man Jamal Fogarty was out injured) and also at fullback.
Fogarty was sidelined for 10 games mid-season and the Raiders definitely missed his playmaking experience and booming kicking game.
Centre Matthew Timoko continued his progression to an elite centre, although his try haul (four from 24 games) will have disappointed him.
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Fullback Jordan Rapana, a fan favourite, gave his all every week but he is expected to be lost to overseas rugby for 2025.
Xaver Savage had a breakout season, playing every game and using his blinding speed to score 15 tries.
Up front, bookends Joe Tapine and Josh Papali’i were towers of strength. They missed just one game between them all year and put the Raiders on the front foot in attack.
Hudson Young was all power and energy out wide, his 10 tries are right up there with the highest in the league for a back-rower.
Englishman Elliott Whitehead led the Raiders in fine style and he will be missed, having decided to move on to Catalans in France.
Giving hope for 2025 was the fact that the Raiders won their last three games, including a stunning away defeat of the Roosters that ranks among the upsets of the season.
That gives the players impetus for the summer and the hope of better times ahead for Stuart and his troops.
Best player: Hudson Young. A hot head at times in the past, played with more controlled aggression in 2024 and won the club some tight games with his individual talent and drive to succeed.
Needs to lift: Corey Horsburgh is a player with real X-factor on his day, but injuries and lack of form – he played only five NRL games – made 2024 a wasted year for him. Ricky needs him to fire up next year.
Key signing: The Raiders are more of a development club and haven’t signed any big names. Youngster Ethan Sanders from the Eels is rated a real talent though and could push for a spot in the halves as the year unfolds.
2025 gains: Ethan Sanders (Eels), Myles Martin (Knights), Savelio Tamale (Dragons).
2025 losses: Elliott Whitehead (Catalans Dragons), Nick Cotric (Catalans Dragons), James Schiller (Knights), Jordan Rapana (unsigned), Zac Woolford (Huddersfield), Jordan Rapana