Most clubs already have an established spine for 2024 - but the Raiders are a different beast with the season kick-off just weeks away. Ricky Stuart has plenty of options - and potential headaches - as he attempts to make back-to-back finals series. The key fullback spot is up for grabs, with both Xavier Savage and Seb Kris vying for the No.1 jumper. Then there's the giant hole at five-eighth following Jack Wighton's departure to Souths, with Manly recruit Kaeo Weekes the early favourite but no certainty to start alongside Jamal Fogarty. Move on to hooker and Stuart has three contenders - Zac Woolford, Danny Levi and Tom Starling. On paper it's not looking among the elite spines in the NRL and the Raiders could be in for a long winter unless these guys all play above themselves. While the spine will often win or lose games, the Raiders' strength lies in other positions on the field. Utility back Jordan Rapana remains one of the game's most under-rated finishers, Matt Timoko was as good as any centre in the NRL last season and Joe Tapine and Josh Papalii give great go-forward. It's an experienced squad and if the Raiders can win 75 per cent of their home games - which they are capable of doing - they are well on their way to finals footy once again.
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