2016 NRL Preview - Canberra Raiders

With a healthy mix of youth and experience, the Canberra Raiders will be full of optimism heading into 2016 as they look to end a three-year absence from finals football. Having altered the playing roster significantly since taking over as coach, former Premiership winner Ricky Stuart will be hoping the additions of several international forwards and promising playmakers prove to be the necessary changes the Raiders need to become NRL heavyweights.

For years the Raiders record at home has kept them in contention for the play-offs, but in 2015 Canberra managed just three wins all season, against also-rans Gold Coast, Newcastle and Penrith. In contrast, Ricky Stuart's men defied expectations with their performances away from GIO Stadium last season; with seven wins including scalps against defending premiers South Sydney and a club record equaling comeback at Leichardt Oval to down Wests Tigers. Having struggled for game time throughout his career, Blake Austin enjoyed a breakout year, scoring 14 tries, as well as crossing for a hat-trick in his representative debut for City Origin. Captain Jarrod Croker continued his impressive point-scoring feats to sit behind David Furner as the Raiders highest points scorer; while recruits Frank-Paul Nu'uausala, Iosia Soliola and Josh Hodgson all showed their representative class throughout the year.

Ultimately last season, Canberra struggled to close out tight matches, losing six matches by four points or less, all of which were at home. Four consecutive losses late in the season derailed the Raiders hopes of returning to September football, but with another off-season under way Canberra fans can look forward to better days.

Starting 2016 with three games at GIO Stadium in the first month, the Raiders will be looking to get off to a strong start against the Penrith Panthers. While Ricky Stuart will likely lose Josh Papalii as well as potentially Blake Austin and Paul Vaughan through representative duty, the Raiders have a fairly strong draw during the State of Origin period. Facing off against competition heavyweights Canterbury and North Queensland at home, as well as a bye, Canberra will fancy their chances of making a move for the top eight throughout the season. With just two games at home in the final six rounds, the Raiders will need to secure their place in the finals prior to trips to Brookvale Oval and Leichardt Oval in the final two rounds or they may be left to lament another disappointing season.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT

For the Raiders to make an impact this season, much of the responsibility lies with their young juniors stepping up to the next level. With the likes of Jack Wighton, Edrick Lee, Paul Vaughan, Shannon Boyd and Jarrad Kennedy featuring in approximately 50 first grade games each, it will be on them to pave the way forward for the club that gave them their starts in the NRL. Supported by the experience of Catalan Dragons duo Jeff Lima and Elliot Whitehead, the Raiders have assembled their best squad for several seasons and have the potential to replicate the feats of the Wests Tigers over a decade ago due to a host of youngsters beginning to realise their potential.

WHY THEY WON'T

While the Raiders competed in every match throughout 2015, their biggest issue was delivering the killer blow in tight contests. Managing just two wins against top eight sides all year; Canberra will be looking to turn the tables this year but may find themselves in a similar predicament once more. Having recruited match-winner Aidan Sezer from the Titans, Ricky Stuart will be hoping the playmaker can be the difference for the side, however the sting of several narrow losses last year, including two at home by a field goal may prove too much for the Green Machine to overcome.

KEY PLAYER

Aidan Sezer
Having opted to leave the Gold Coast in the wake of the Daly Cherry-Evans debacle last year, Aidan Sezer will be eager to make an immediate impression in the nations capital in 2016. With 71 games to his name, the former Bulldogs Under 20s half will be crucial to the Raiders success alongside dynamo Blake Austin. Set to control the game with a strong kicking arsenal, the new recruit will also face stiff competition from Sam Williams for a spot in the starting side, which should bring out the best in the Raiders key playmakers.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Zac Santo
Managing just one appearance for the Cowboys since debuting two years ago, utility back Zac Santo will be hoping to replicate Jordan Rapana by stepping up to first grade having been provided with limited opportunities elsewhere. Crossing for 26 tries last season for the Townsville Blackhawks in Queensland Cup, the former North Queensland flyer will be eager to pressure for a berth at some stage in 2016 should the likes of Sisa Waqa and Edrick Lee succumb to injury.

PLAYER MOVEMENT IN
Adam Clydesdale (Knights)
Jeff Lima, Elliot Whitehead (ESL - Catalans)
Zac Santo (Cowboys)
Aidan Sezer (Titans)

PLAYER MOVEMENT OUT
Mitch Cornish (Eels)
Joel Edwards (Wests Tigers)
Jeremy Hawkins, Marc Nicholls (Storm)
Josh McCrone (Dragons)
David Shillington (Titans)
Andrew Heffernan (Panthers)
Bill Tupout (ESL - Wakefield)

BEST 17
1. Jack Wighton
2. Edrick Lee
3. Jarrod Croker (C)
4. Joseph Leilua
5. Sisa Waqa
6. Blake Austin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Paul Vaughan
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Shannon Boyd
11. Josh Papalii
12. Iosia Soliola
13. Shaun Fensom

14. Adam Clydesdale
15. Elliot Whitehead
16. Frank-Paul Nu'uausala
17. Jeff Lima