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. 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. 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.
Canberra Raiders: 2023 finish: 8th | 2024 finish: 9th
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.
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