NRL Profile: Canberra Raiders

Canberra Raiders could be in for a tough season in the NRL in 2025 after losing a number of experienced players since last term.

The Raiders have been there or thereabouts in the push to make the top eight in recent seasons, but have just fallen short.

In 2024 they missed out on finals on points difference and will be desperate to go one step further in the new campaign.

However after parting ways with some experienced campaigners during the off-season, it will be easier said than done.

Let’s take a look at how the Raiders are shaping up ahead of the 2025 NRL campaign.

Canberra Raiders manager

Ricky Stuart

Ricky Stuart is one of the longest serving coaches in the NRL and has been in charge of the Raiders since 2014.

Stuart bleeds green having also made over 200 appearances for the Raiders as a player, and he is one of the most passionate coaches in the game.

He has guided the Raiders to a grand final in the past, but these days it is all about trying to get the club back in to the top eight.

Stuart will leave no stone un-turned in his attempts to get Canberra in to finals, but with a young side, it will be a stern test.

The future looks bright with an exciting crop of youngsters on board, but there could be more lows than highs in 2025.

Canberra Raiders transfers

The Raiders have a tradition of bringing talented youngsters over from the English Super League, and Matty Nicholson is the latest.

Nicholson arrives from the Warrington Wolves and looks certain to play a role in Canberra’s best 17 in 2025.

Most significant is the experienced players that the Raiders have seen move on since the end of last season.

Nick Cotric, Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead have all left for pastures new, and look set to leave a huge void.

Canberra Raiders key players

Despite losing some big names, the Raiders still have a talented crop of players that can excite the fans.

Xavier Savage was the club’s leading try-scorer last season and the Raiders will be relying on the winger to produce much of the same in 2025.

Jamal Fogarty will be key in the halves, alongside Ethan Strange, while Josh Papalii and club captain Joseph Tapine provide more experience in the forwards.

Morgan Smithies also had an outstanding debut campaign in 2024 and the Englishman will need to step up to the plate once again.

Hudson Young and Albert Hopoate will also be big players for the Raiders in 2024.

Canberra Raiders odds

Not too much is expected of the Raiders in the 2025 NRL season and making the top eight would be viewed as a huge success.

They can be backed at 4.00 to make the top eight and 1.25 to miss out.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.