Competition for a spot in the Raiders team is expected to be fierce in 2022, with many positions in the starting 17 still up for grabs as the pre-season trials commence.
Raiders backline
Fullback – Expected competition between Xavier Savage and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. CNK is the likely front runner due to his experience in the role but Savage showed x-factor potential in his debut against the Sharks last season with electric speed and agility. After that performance, it would be a tough call for Ricky Stuart to leave Savage out of the 17.
Wings – The returning Nick Cotric is almost a lock for one spot on the wing and the suspension of Jordan Rapana has opened the door for another outside back to start the season. Savage could get the vacant spot if he misses out at fullback while Seb Kris, Semi Valemei and Albert Hopoate are also in consideration.
Centres – After hardly missing a beat over the first decade of his NRL career, shoulder and knee injuries to Raiders captain Jarrod Croker kept him to just 12 games last year, playing to a standard well below his best. He’ll be given every chance to reclaim the number three jersey and fans will eagerly be watching his performance tomorrow night. Matt Timoko and Kris are the other two fighting for a starting spot in the centres. Off-season signing Brad Morkos was named at centre in the 2021 Australian Schoolboys merit team and could push for first grade selection later in the season.
Five-eighth – Jack Wighton was below his best last season after winning the Dally M Medal in 2020 but is expected to bounce back with a new halves partner. Matt Frawley, Sam Williams and Brad Schneider are depth players in the halves.
Halfback – New recruit Jamal Fogarty moves straight into the 7 jersey and will look to bring a mix of organising and ball running to the Raiders this season.
Raiders forwards
Front row – Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine are locked and loaded to start with Emre Guler, Corey Horsburgh, Peter Hola and Trey Mooney all possible bench options.
Hooker – Tom Starling and Josh Hodgson are both likely to make appearances in the 9 jersey throughout the season, how they’re managed is yet to be seen. However, they found continuity last year with Starling coming off the bench and Hodgson moving to a mobile lock role.
Second row – Elliott Whitehead has had a mortgage on the Raiders right edge spot but he could shift to lock this year after a difficult 2021 season. The Raiders have plenty of other options to play in the second row with Hudson Young and Corey Harawira-Naera both spending time there last season, while recruit Adam Elliott has played at lock and on an edge for the Bulldogs.
Lock – The Raiders typically played a third prop at lock last season with Ryan Sutton predominantly wearing the 13 jersey. If the Raiders look to adapt more to the fast-paced modern game, Whitehead should get first crack as a ball-playing lock with Elliott another option. Hodgson is also likely to spend time in the role during games.
Raiders bench
Canberra tended to have three middle forwards on the bench last year with one outside back or reserve hooker. Either Starling or Hodgson are almost certainties to be in the 14 jersey with the former more likely. Sutton and Elliott seem likely to be there with the last spot up for grabs after Horsburgh and Guler failed to grab their opportunity last year. Stuart may also opt for an x-factor like Savage in the 17 or Kris who can play as an outside back and in the second row.
Our Raiders Best 17 for 2022
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
- Nick Cotric
- Jarrod Croker (C)
- Matt Timoko
- Jordan Rapana*
- Jack Wighton
- Jamal Fogarty
- Josh Papalii
- Josh Hodgson
- Joe Tapine
- Corey Harawira-Naera
- Hudson Young
- Elliott Whitehead (C)
- Tom Starling
- Ryan Sutton
- Adam Elliott
- Xavier Savage
*Suspended for rounds one and two.
Let us know your best Raiders 17 for 2022 in the comments below.
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