As the 2023 season ends for a number of clubs, we look back on the highs and lows for every club, their best player, the changes they need to make for next season and an early prediction for where they will finish in 2024.
In this edition, we look at the Canberra Raiders who barely snuck into the finals yet continued to punch above their weight as they have done for so many years
Canberra Raiders - 13 wins, 11 losses, -137 Ladder: 8th
Despite the overwhelming narrative that the Raiders didn’t deserve to play finals, their performance against Newcastle in their elimination final was proof that they were worthy finalists. The Raiders failed to beat a team by more than 12 points throughout the season but their scalps included the Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Roosters and the Roosters. Canberra limped into finals but gave the Knights an almighty scare.
Highlight
Backs to the wall win over Brisbane
Following their 53-12 loss to Penrith, the Raiders sunk to 1-4 and came up against an undefeated Broncos side at Suncorp Stadium. Canberra shot out to a 14-4 half-time lead and were then able to hold off a fast finishing Broncos side to a claim a famous six-point victory. It was the first victory in a five-match winning streak which saw them move up from second last to seventh spot on the ladder.
Lowlight
Resting Jarrod Croker in Round 14
Coach Ricky Stuart made the interesting call to rest club legend Jarrod Croker for Canberra’s clash against the Wests Tigers so that Croker could notch up his 300th game in front of his home crowd. The decision raised eyebrows across the NRL and Stuart even fired back at critics during his post-match press conference and said he had shown true leadership.
The Raiders then faced the Warriors in front of a packed home crowd only to put in arguably their worst performance of the year and lose 36 -14. Not the best way to celebrate a club great.
Best Player
Corey Horsburgh
A cult-hero in the NRL, ‘Big Red’ had a wonderful 2023 season and was deservedly called up to Queensland’s starting side in Game III of State of Origin. Often seen as an enforcer, Horsburgh ran for the most metres (2,494) in his six seasons in first grade as well as tackle breaks (35), tackles (855) and scored three tries, more than his first five seasons combined.
What they need for 2024
A genuine playmaker in the halves
The loss of Jack Wighton is huge given he is a genuine utility. However, the loss to Newcastle highlighted the need for a halfback or five-eighth who when the game is on the line, can deliver the win. Jamal Fogarty is a serviceable halfback but looked incredibly tense during extra time against the Knights and failed to kick the winning field goal despite having three chances to ice the game.
Early 2024 Prediction
8th
Ricky Stuart continues to get this team to punch above their weight week in and week out. They may not be the flashiest team and are lacking for speed and a marquee player but they genuinely believe they can win every game they play.
Grade: B-