Season Review: Canberra Raiders

The Raiders finished four points from the eight, and four points from the bottom of the table, which perfectly sums up their season as a whole.

At times they were an absolutely pleasure to watch, yet at other times they must have had their fans tearing hair out.

The Raiders scored more points than the second placed Broncos, yet conceded more points than the second last placed Tigers.

If they can find some level of consistency then they can give anyone a run for their money on any day. Whether or not they can achieve that is the big question.

Unfortunately the only consistency they could find this season, was week to week inconsistency.

Season Highlight: 56-16 win over the Titans (Round 9)

When they’re at their attacking best, there are few sides more entertaining to watch for the neutral than the Canberra Raiders. In round nine, the Raiders were at their best.

A week after having beaten the red hot Rabbitohs, Canberra put together an attacking masterclass at the expense of the Gold Coast club.

The Raiders ran in 10 tries, despite having less than 50% possession.

Nine of the Raiders starting 13 ran for over 100 metres, with a further two off the bench achieving the same stat.

The Raiders forwards were rampant and the backs were lethal.

Season Lowlight: 28-18 loss to the Titans (Round 24)

It’s strange how many sides both beat, and lost to, the Titans by either big margins or in crucial contests.

The Raiders loss to the Titans wasn’t their worst loss of the season, but it was the game that ended their finals hopes.

With all due respect to the Titans, a side hoping to make the eight shouldn’t lose a crunch game in these circumstances.

The Raiders had it all to play for, while the Titans only had the motivation of not coming last to rely on.

A win would have kept them in the finals race, but it was not to be. A disappointing way for the Raiders season to end.

Star Player: Blake Austin

The former Wests Tigers fringe reserve grader announced himself in a huge way in 2015, and was awarded the five-eighth of the year position at the Dally M awards.

Austin’s presence at the Raiders turned an inconsistent side into the Green Machine of old.

His running game is right up there with anyone in the game, and his kicking game and passing game really developed in his first full season in the halves.

It’s scary to think just how good this guy can be, especially for fans of the Tigers who look on with a sigh.

Austin’s 2015 season will be remembered as one of brilliance. Whether he can back that up next season will be tough, but I wouldn’t bet against him.

Most Disappointing Player: Mitch Cornish

For years young Cornish would built up as the next great halves star in the nation’s capital, but unfortunately it never came.

Although you could say he was never given a chance to play regular first grade, his form never really warranted it either.

Cornish has plenty of talent, but whatever reason he just couldn’t deliver on his undoubted promise.

He may still become a genuine first grade star, however it won’t be at the Raiders after signing a deal to play at the Eels next year.

Future Star: Brenko Lee

Mitch Cornish may never reach his potential at the Raiders, however Brenko Lee looks like he will be a regular member of the first grade set up in 2016.

He didn’t feature in the first grade squad until late in the season, but given he could still play for the 20s, there is no need to rush his development.

Physically Lee has every attribute needed to become a star. He’s big, fast and powerful, and knows how to find the try line.

Given that he will play outside either Austin or Sezer, and will run off the likes of Fensom and Vaughan, he should see plenty of ball and plenty of space.

Best Signing For 2016: Aidan Sezer

Despite the brilliant form of Sam Williams, the Raiders were screaming out for a creative and consistent half who can control the game, allowing Blake Austin to inject himself when he sees fit.

In Sezer they have that, as well as a player with a far superior kicking game to that of anyone previously on the roster.

Sezer will be tasked with a shift to halfback, which may be tough initially, but should suit his game in the long run.

The Raiders will host their best halves partnership in many years when the 2016 season kicks off.

At very least, they have one of the most exciting halves pairings, if not the most consistent.

Outlook:

As mentioned, Aidan Sezer is a brilliant signing and should take some of the attacking pressure off Blake Austin.

Jack Wighton, Jarrod Croker, Brenko Lee, Josh Hodgson and Sisa Waqa are all brilliant attacking players, while Pail Vaughan Iosia Soliola and Josh Papalii take their place in a fearsome forward pack.

It’s hard to see how the Raiders don’t improve from here.

For all his critics, and the Raiders well documented troubles with recruitment, Ricky Stuart has set the Raiders up for success in the not too distant future.

I certainly don’t see a premiership in the next year or two, but the Raiders will be firmly in the finals mix.

Season Grading: C

It’s probably fair to say, that at the start of the season, Raiders fans would have taken a serious run at a finals position and considered it a successful season.

That being said, with only a few weeks to go in the season, the Raiders looked like they would play finals footy, only to fall away and miss the eight by two games.

In my personal view, the Raiders overachieved early and can be very happy with their season, especially knowing Blake Austin will be joined by Aidan Sezer next season.

Jack Wighton now has a season at fullback under his belt, while Brenko Lee is now firmly in the first grade set up.

2015 didn’t bring finals footy back to the nation’s capital, but the club is in a better position now than it was 12 months ago, and for that reason, the Raiders can be very happy with their efforts.