4. Talking Points

Can Jack Wighton go back to back?: If the Raiders are going to go all the way, they're going to need their megastar number six to go close to back-to-back Dally M medals.

Wighton is the kind of player who can lift a unit from a decent side to the top level, but with Croker out for a month and Bateman moving on, he's going to need to be A to A+ more often than not.

That's not to say that there's not plenty of talent in this lineup but that Canberra right side just isn't what it used to be. Any time the Green Machine faltered they'd send it right and score. They don't have that luxury anymore. Big pressure on Wighton.

The return of Josh Hodgson: This is HUGE! Tom Starling was massive for the Raiders last season following the season-ending injury to Hodgson, but he isn't the same player.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Josh Hodgson of the Raiders reacts as his team wins back the ball during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park on September 14, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The English superstar's return lifts the Raiders into that next level. I'm certainly not saying that if he plays in that preliminary final that Canberra make a second straight Grand Final, but his presence on that night certainly wouldn't have hurt.ย His experience is invaluable.

Potential Prelim Hangover: At what stage does coming so close yet falling at the final hurdle take an affect? I'd like to say never given the experience held by their coach and senior players, however what goes up, may stay up for a while but will ultimately come down.

Is 2021 the season the Raiders come back down? They made a Grand Final and a Prelim across two seasons without lifting the trophy. History says unless you're the Storm or Roosters, chances like this don't come round too often. There's pressure to go one step further this year. The Premiership window is only open for so long.