Canberra Raiders 2023 NRL Preview & Predictions

<p>Canberra will enter the 2023 campaign buoyed by a late season charge which included a giant killing of the Melbourne Storm during the first week of the last year’s finals series.</p> <p>Halfway through last season it appeared head coach Ricky Stuart’s future at the club was hanging by a thread, before a remarkable turnaround that saw them just sneak into the top eight at the expense of Brisbane.</p> <p>The Green Machine will be looking to build on this strong finish and start the 2023 campaign off on the right foot. This endeavor will be aided by the fact that they will have star half and chief organiser Jamal Fogarty available from jump, after the No.7 missed the first half of last season with a knee injury. Canberra’s remarkable change in fortunes last term aligned with Fogarty’s return from injury, coincidence? We think not.</p> <p>With the battle for the top eight more competitive than ever can the boys from the nation’s capital do the business in 2023? Or will it be a case of so close, yet so far for the Raiders and their loyal fanbase? Our 2023 season prediction for the Canberra Raiders is below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Gains</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><strong><em>Danny Levi (Huddersfield Giants)&nbsp;</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Pasami Saulo (Newcastle Knights)</em></strong></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There has been minimal activity in the transfer market from Canberra, with Ricky Stuart keeping the faith with the same team that finished last season so strongly. Back up rake Danny Levi and bench forward Pasami Saulo have been brought in to cover for the losses of Josh Hodgson and Ryan Sutton respectively.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Losses</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><strong><em>Adam Elliot (Newcastle Knights)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Josh Hodgson (Parramatta Eels)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (New Zealand Warriors)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Ryan Sutton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Sam Williams (released)</em></strong></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Experienced dummy half Josh Hodgson has departed the nation’s capital to take up an opportunity with Parramatta, his loss won’t be felt as heavily thanks to the emergence of Zac Woolford. Adam Elliot is a big loss with the versatile forward moving to Newcastle to be closer to his partner and NRLW star Millie Boyle. Club stalwart Sam Williams has been released after his services in the halves were deemed surplus to requirements and fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has returned to New Zealand to make way for exciting youngster Xavier Savage to take over the No.1 jersey full-time.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Player To Watch</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Joseph Tapine</em></strong></p> <p>Barnstorming forward Joseph Tapine simply exploded last season. The giant Kiwi often left a trail of defenders in his wake with his “off the back fence” runs. In addition to these no holds barred charges, Tapine also added a newfound attacking edge to his game, producing expert offloads and try assists as well as finding the try line himself on occasion. Another big year for Tapine will lay the platform for a successful campaign for the Green Machine while also cementing his status as one of the best forwards in the game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Canberra Raiders’ Season Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Predicted finish:</em><strong><em> 9th</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>According to data based on last year’s results, Canberra have been handed the easiest draw of any team in the NRL. This could be both a blessing and a curse. While a strong start is important, complacency is a real threat to the aspirations of finals footy, just ask the Broncos. Canberra also knows better than most, it's not how you start, it’s how you finish.</p> <p>On paper Canberra have a well-balanced and experienced squad, but unfortunately for them Rugby League is not played on paper. Having shown a knack for fading in and out of seasons and with the race for the top 8 being so congested someone has to miss out. All things considered a finals appearance may be a step too far for the Green Machine in 2023.</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Predicted Team For Round 1</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol> <li>Xavier Savage</li> <li>Nick Cotric</li> <li>Matt Timoko</li> <li>Seb Kris</li> <li>Jordan Rapana</li> <li>Jack Wighton</li> <li>Jamal Fogarty</li> <li>Josh Papalii</li> <li>Zac Woolford</li> <li>Joseph Tapine</li> <li>Hudson Young</li> <li>Elliott Whitehead</li> <li>Corey Harawira-Naera</li> <li>Tom Starling</li> <li>Emre Guler</li> <li>Pasami Saulo</li> <li>Corey Horsburgh</li> </ol>