Premiership Odds: (via betting.club): $26.00
Key Outs: David Shillington, Josh McCrone
Key Ins: Aidan Sezer, Jeff Lima, Elliot Whitehead
Canberra surprised many with their efforts in 2015. At one point they looked as though they’d play finals football, although a late season fade out ultimately cost them.
Dally M five-eighth of the year Blake Austin was the man for the Green Machine, however he had plenty of support.
English import Josh Hodgson was one of the signings of the season and had an amazing season in the number nine. Jack Wighton grew into his role in the number one.
Jarrod Croker continued to shine out wide, scoring a mountain of tries and slotting conversions from everywhere. Josh Papalii reminded everyone what he was capable of. Young Vaughan and Boyd are future rep players.
Key Player: Blake Austin
Blake Austin exceeded even the most positive of Canberra’s fans expectations on his way to winning his Dally M positional award last season.
Tiger’s fans were left shaking their head as their former fringe reserve grader set the competition alight, scoring some amazing tries in the process.
Many wondered how he was overlooked for Origin, but if he continues his rise, it will be very difficult to overlook him in the future.
His kicking game improved out of sight, as did his positioning in defence. He is now the all-round five-eighth and will again be the lynchpin in the nation’s capital.
Young Gun: Edrick Lee
23 year-old Edrick Lee was surprisingly named as Queensland’s 18th man for the decider in 2015, but shows that plenty in high places see him as quite the player.
His 12 tries in 23 games last season earned him PM’s XI selection, although he did miss the game through injury.
His size and speed make him a dangerous opponent, even more so now that Aidan Sezer’s kicking game has added another weapon to this Raiders attack.
He’s scored 27 tries in just under 50 first grade appearances and at 23 is now perfectly positioned to really fire in a big way.
Best Signing: Aidan Sezer
As well as Sam Williams played at the tail end of 2015, Aidan Sezer’s inclusion makes Canberra an even more dangerous side in attack.
His kicking game should take pressure off the likes of Austin and Hodgson and his ball playing skills should complement the hard running Austin in the halves.
Sezer had a brilliant season in a disappointing Titans outfit, although he did end the season on the treatment table which may play a part in his pre-season preparations.
There is a lot to like about this young and special player, who under Ricky Stuart should receive plenty of pointers. He’s been a coach for so long that many forget that Stuart himself was a world class halfback who knew how to win.
Strength: Attacking flair
This side certainly does not lack points. Jack Wighton is an attacking freak, while Rapana, Lee and Waqa are all capable of finding the line on the fringes.
Throw in Croker, who scored 236 points last season, the most of any player in 2015, as well as Leilua and young Brenko Lee, and the Raiders have a backline capable of blowing sides away.
Sezer and Austin are both try scoring halves while Josh Papalii scored eight tries last season. In fact all of the Canberra forwards made a habit of crossing the try line.
Traditionally Canberra are one of the most exciting teams in the NRL on their day. Judging by their lineup that will continue.
Weakness: Will leak plenty of points
Luckily this side has plenty of points in them because much like in years gone by, I can see the Raiders conceding plenty.
As much as Croker improved his defence last season, he is still a genuine target for most sides. Rapana and Lee have established themselves in attack but were caught out of position in defence far too often last season.
Shaun Fensom is a defensive master, often making 40 plus tackles with minimal, or no missed tackles, but his fellow big men are capable of a missed tackle.
The Raiders pack are monsters, which will intimidate many, but will also make them targets due to the new interchange rules.
Strongest 17:
1. Jack Wighton
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Sisa Waqa
5. Edrick Lee
6. Blake Austin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Frank-Paul Nuuausala
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Sia Soliola
12. Josh Papalii
13. Shaun Fensom
14. Shannon Boyd
15. Jeff Lima
16. Elliott Whitehead
17. Adam Clydsdale
I’m not sure how long sides will be able to persist with two hookers in the squad with the reduced interchange, but Stuart showed he didn’t see Hodgson as an 80 minute player last season. BJ Leilua will likely play centre, pushing Waqa to the wing, but I’d go with Rapana on the wing and Waqa at centre.
Prediction: 10th
I love the look of this Canberra side in an attacking sense. From Wighton all the way through to their star halves combination, there are plenty of points in the Green Machine.
Having recruited well, the squad looks a fair bit deeper than last season. Their bench looks strong, and imposing.
They MUST improve their home record this season or they will again be left chasing a finals spot. Last season they were woeful in front of their home fans, losing far too many close games.
I can see this side tearing plenty of teams apart on their day, however they’re going to need to score plenty as they’ll likely concede plenty.
They’ll put a few sides to the sword and are VERY capable of finishing in the eight, however I just see them being unable to limit the damage in defence. They’ll concede too many points and will miss the eight as a result.