Canberra Raiders Mid-Season Report Card

After enduring a horror 2014, the Raiders have overcome a slow start to emerge as one of the dark horses in 2015. Playing with an attacking flair synonymous with the glory days of the Green Machine, coach Ricky Stuart has been able to reward long-suffering supporters with a team capable of success in September.

Initially struggling with Mitch Cornish in the number seven jersey, former Raider Sam Williams has provided a steadying hand at halfback alongside buy of the year Blake Austin, who's string of eye-catching performances has seen him touted as a future representative star.

Uncharacteristically, the Raiders have been unable to perform at GIO Stadium, managing a single win from six appearances so far, however their efforts on the road suggest Canberra will remain in contention for the top eight over the remainder of 2015.

Once again, Canberra have been unable to attract big-name NRL players, instead securing the services of English international Elliot Whitehead (2 years) as well as Gold Coast playmaker Aidan Sezer (3 years).

Positives:
Leading the NRL in points scored, the Raiders have thrived in matches against weak defensive sides. Racking up ten tries against the Titans at home, their last performance against the Knights in Newcastle was especially dominant, withstanding a minor comeback to run away 44-22 winners. Once again, captain Jarrod Croker has kept his point-scoring tally flowing, breaking the 1000-point barrier in Round 13 with only Clinton Schifcofske and David Furner ahead of him.

Negatives:
Where the Raiders will need to improve in the second half of the season is at home and grinding out wins. With half their matches left in the Nations Capital, Canberra need to capitalise on the home ground advantage if they are to threaten for the finals. Similarly, the Raiders preference to play attacking football is unlikely to pay-off against the likes of the Dragons, Roosters and Storm. Having displayed the necessary grit to overcome the Rabbitohs in Cairns; Canberra will need to produce similar efforts on a more consistent basis.

Best Player:
Without question Blake Austin has been the catalyst for Canberra's 2015 resurgence. Let go by the Tigers after a breakout season last year, Austin leads the Raiders try-scorers with 9, while his performance for City in Wagga Wagga led many calling for his inclusion in the New South Wales side after scoring a hat-trick. Yet to play 50 first grade games, the 24-year old has developed into one of the premier five-eighths in the NRL and will play a vital role in the Raiders plans for the future.

Predicted Finish:
While Canberra will have to play the Cowboys twice and the Warriors away during their run home, considering only one other team they face sits inside the top eight, the Raiders will push for a home final.
6th finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 6
Lost: 7
Bye: 1
Points Scored: 319 (1st)
Points Conceded: 303 (14th)
Placed: 7th
Overall Ranking: =6th

Season So Far

Round 1 Sharks 20 v 24 Raiders

Round 2 Raiders 6 v 18 Warriors

Round 3 Raiders 20 v 22 Dragons

Round 4 Roosters 34 v 6 Raiders

Round 5 Sea Eagles 16 v 29 Raiders

Round 6 Raiders 10 v 14 Storm

Round 7 Tigers 22 v 30 Raiders

Round 8 Rabbitohs 22 v 30 Raiders

Round 9 Raiders 56 v 16 Titans

Round 10 Dragons 32 v 18 Raiders

Round 11 Raiders 34 v 41 Bulldogs

Round 12 Raiders 12 v 24 Broncos

Round 13 Knights 22 v 44 Raiders