"Canberra Raiders: Unveiling the Prospects and Puzzles of the 2024 Lineup and Squad Dynamics"
Starting XIII:
1. Chevy Stewart
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Matt Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Nick Cotric
6. Kaeo Weekes
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Elliott Whitehead
12. Hudson Young
13. Corey Horsburgh
Bench:
14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Zac Hosking
17. Morgan Smithies
Team Insights:
The Canberra Raiders face intriguing lineup decisions for the upcoming season. New recruit Kaeo Weekes is the leading candidate to fill Jack Wighton's spot in the halves, edging out fellow newcomer Simi Sasagi from the Knights. Rookie fullback Chevy Stewart appears poised for a potential long-term No.1 role but will contend with Xavier Savage at the season's start. With the retirement of Jarrod Croker, several Raiders youngsters, including Ethan Strange, are in contention for starting roles, particularly in the centres. English recruit Morgan Smithies is expected to secure a bench spot, expressing a desire to play lock in the future. However, the challenge lies in displacing Corey Horsburgh from this position, unless a shift to prop occurs, potentially replacing veteran Josh Papalii. The playing future of Corey Harawira-Naera remains uncertain after his collapse during a game last year. Additionally, the versatile Zac Hosking, acquired from Penrith, is set to provide valuable utility off the bench for coach Ricky Stuart.
