The Canberra Raiderswere the unexpected success last year, battling their way to the top of the rankings.
The minor premiership was achieved even though there were many pre-season predictions that they would be nearer the bottom four than the top eight.
However, this did not happen as expected, with the Green Machine achieving a strong sequence of performances at the start of the season despite a very challenging schedule, and then maintaining their position towards the end to secure first place.
They fell short and exited the finals in straight sets, and the strong motivation to improve this year will be more challenging due to the high-profile exit ofJamal Fogarty, who makes their way to theManly Sea Eagles.
The remaining departures are not particularly significant, but it creates a major gap in the halves for Canberra, something they must resolve if they hope to become a leading team once more.
Here's how the Raiders are expected to be arranged in 2026.
Recruitment report
Ins: Coby Black (Brisbane Broncos, 2028), Jayden Brailey (Newcastle Knights, 2027), Sione Finau (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2028), Daine Laurie (Penrith Panthers, 2028)
Outs: Adam Cook (Leigh Leopards), Jamal Fogarty (Manly Sea Eagles), Albert Hopoate (Warrington Wolves), Danny Levi (Leeds Rhinos), Jordan Martin (Mackay Cutters), Trey Mooney (Newcastle Knights), Pasami Saulo (Newcastle Knights), Manaia Waitere (Melbourne Storm)
Not under contract by the end of 2025: Michael Asomua, Jake Clydsdale, Ata Mariota, Josh Papalii, Morgan Smithies, Jed Stuart
Full squad
Michael Asomua, Coby Black, Jayden Brailey, Jake Clydsdale, Sione Finau, Corey Horsburgh, Zac Hosking, Sebastian Kris, Daine Laurie, Ata Mariota, Myles Martin, Noah Martin, Matty Nicholson, Josh Papalii, Owen Pattie, Vena Patuki-Case, Joe Roddy, Ethan Sanders, Simi Sasagi, Xavier Savage, Morgan Smithies, Tom Starling, Chevy Stewart, Ethan Strange, Jed Stuart, Savelio Tamale, Joseph Tapine, Matthew Timoko, Kaeo Weekes, Hudson Young
Supplementary contracts: Ethan Alaia, Shaun Packer, Mark Tuialii, Jayze Tuigamala
Who plays where?
Fullback
Kaeo Weekeshad an exceptional 2025 campaign and will once more don the Raiders' number one jersey as they prepare for 2026.
He has been re-signed on two occasions in the past 12 months to prolong his stay with the team, and it's clear that the club sees him as a vital component of their strategies, both in the near future and beyond.
The Raiders have choices available in the backfield.
Chevy Stewartis the most probable go-to option if problems arise, with the young fullback showing significant potential, yet struggling to secure a spot at the Raiders.
His position as the primary substitute is also up for debate byDaine Laurie, who comes from thePenrith Panthersseeking chances in the rear area or within the midfield.
Wingers
As had been the situation across 2025,Savelio Tamale and Xavier Savagewill start the year on the wing.
Both athletes delivered outstanding 2025 seasons in terms of scoring tries, making tackles, creating problems for the opposing defensive lines, and performing effectively on their own side of the field.
The Warriors' strength on the wing in 2025 grows with the addition ofSione Finaufrom the Dragons, while a dominant forceMichael Asomuais also currently within the Top 30.
Jed Stuarthad a few good moments during his first year and may also be involved throughout the season.
Centres
The Raiders possess one of the less recognized center combinations in the league, and it will be once againSebastian Kris and Matthew Timokoto take the lead in the majority during 2026.
Both athletes are somewhat overlooked even though they played crucial parts in Canberra's bid for the minor premiership in 2025.
The discussion within the club has been thatSione Finauwill have the capability to provide support on either the flank or in the center following his transfer from the Dragons, and therefore could emerge as the primary substitute for the Raiders.
Daine Lauriespent a short period at the facilities in Penrith in 2025, enhancing his overall value and could serve as an alternative choice, whileSimi Sasagi and Ethan Strangehave other roles on the flank, but could also move to the middle if required.
Halves
Ethan Strangehad an outstanding season as five-eighth in 2025, and is expected to immediately return to the number six jersey for the Green Machine.
Although that is not in question, who his partner is could be.
Ethan Sanderswas recruited from Parramatta before 2024 as the team's future choice for the seven position, but has not made a significant impact yetNSW Cup level as yet.
He is sure to get the initial opportunity, but the signing ofCoby Black from the Brisbane Broncossparks rivalry. Black is considered one of the top young halfbacks in the sport, and certainly hasn't relocated his life to serve as the second-choice player.
What other compelling narrative to watch this year is how Strange performs with a halfback lacking experienceJamal Fogarty.
Middle forwards
Josh Papalii's unexpected choice to compete in another season in theNRLoriginally expecting to leave, Canberra now has significant strength in the central area.
Papalii is expected to begin alongsideJoseph Tapinein which it is one of the game's top and most seasoned prop pairings.
Corey Horsburghcould also move up to prop if Papalii comes off the bench, but will otherwise begin at lock.
Morgan Smithies, a determined Englishman who has made an impact since his arrival fromEngland, is another possibility in any of the central positions, whileAta Mariotahas also shown significant strength in recent times as he progresses in his career.
Matty Nicholson, Myles Martin and Jake Clydsdaleare also choices available in the central portion of the park.
Hooker
Tom Starlingremains one of the least appreciated athletes in the league and delivered an outstanding 2025 season, beginning as the dummy half for the Raiders.
That is the position he will maintain in 2026, despite there being rivalry for his number nine jersey.
Jayden Brailey has arrived from the Newcastle Knightsand is the probable first substitute for the position, but is now in the most significant battle for playing time of his career so far, withOwen Pattiealso at the club and regarded as a key element in the future of the Nation's Capital.
Edge forwards
The second row is another straightforward decision for the Raiders, with New South SalesState of Origin star Hudson Youngto collaborate with former Bronco and PantherZac Hosking.
Both athletes performed exceptionally in 2025, with Hosking showing steady performance and Young delivering outstanding results, marking the finest season of his career so far.
Simi Sasagi, previously a halfback and utility player, has transitioned his main role to a second-rower, so he is expected to play in that position, whileMatty Nicholsoncan also perform in the second-row, as well as in the center.
Noah Martin and Joe Roddyboth made their debut last year and will also aim for increased playing time this year as they keep growing in their careers.
Interchange
The NRL's six-player interchange squad suggests the Raiders will probably be able to select a spine utility player inDaine Laurie, and a complete novice inJayden Brailey.
Simi Sasagi, who was previously used as a utility player, now takes on a more traditional second-row role when coming off the bench, while physical presence will be supplied byMorgan Smithies, Ata Mariota and Matty Nicholson, with a range of young talent knocking on the door for chances and playing time.
The best 19
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Corey Horsburgh
Interchange
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Matty Nicholson
17. Morgan Smithies
18. Ata Mariota
19. Daine Laurie
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