NRL 2025, Canberra Raiders, season preview, predicted team

Act of Squad: Raiders predicted team and 2025 overview

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Wed 5 Feb 2025, 06:01 AM

The Canberra Raiders are out to defy expectations as they look to return to the top eight in 2025.

Ricky Stuart's men stormed home throughout the final weeks of last season, claiming wins over the Roosters and Panthers, however they fell short in their bid to play finals football.

With another year of NRL under their belts, the young Raiders side is set to take another major step forward this season.

Stuart's men will open their campaign in Las Vegas, kicking off a historic quadruple-header at Allegiant Stadium against the Warriors.

Halfback Jamal Fogarty has developed into a key figure in the team and is eager to put a tough run of injuries behind him in 2025. The playmaker will play a key leadership role following the departure of veterans Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead and has been tasked with mentoring a talented crop of kids.

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James Graham dissects the Raiders 2025 NRL Draw

Fogarty used 2024 to lay the foundations for a promising partnership with emerging five-eighth Ethan Strange and the 20-year-old is set to build on an impressive rookie season.

Teenaged-fullback Chevy Stewart is out to add to his three NRL games while new recruit Ethan Sanders arrived in Canberra with plenty of plaudits.

How Stuart utilises Sanders throughout 2025 will be a key talking point of the season, with many smart judges tipping the halfback to develop into a star in the coming years.

Strange could shift to the centres to accommodate Sanders in the halves, while the former Eel could be utilised as a bench utility.

The Raiders forward pack has also received a major boost this year, with Matty Nicholson the latest English talent to arrive in Canberra.

Pasami Saulo is expected to be available for round one after he missed the bulk of last season with a back injury however edge forward Zac Hosking is racing the clock to be fit for the Vegas opener due to a calf injury suffered in January.