2018 Canberra Raiders preview: Can they do it without Hodgson?

JOSH Hodgson’s ACL injury is a devastating blow to the Raiders and it could be the difference between a finals berth or a Mad Monday in early September, writes Fatima Kdouh.

The Raiders will be out to impress in 2018 after a lacklustre season last year.

• DRAW: Full 2018 fixture for Canberra Raiders

• FAT CAMP: Raiders big men forced to trim down

WHAT’S an Englishman in a No.9 jersey worth to a footy team?

If you’re the Raiders, a damn lot. Josh Hodgson’s ACL injury is a devastating blow and it could be the difference between a finals berth or a Mad Monday in early September.

He was their most important player: chief organiser and playmaker.

The Raiders’ campaign will also rest on their ability to close out tight matches. In 2017, they lost eight games by six points
or less.

The Raiders will be out to impress in 2018 after a lacklustre season last year.

SPINE

Sans Hodgson, this spine will hardly have opposition sides quaking. But it’s a perfect opportunity for five-eighth Blake Austin and halfback Aidan Sezer to step out of Hodgson’s shadow and take ownership of this side’s attack.

FORWARDS

When the Raiders went on their run in 2016 to finish second, they did it through the sheer dominance of their engine room. That immense yardage game went missing last year.

Canberra are at their best when their big men are rolling forward. Their halves will be hoping the likes of Junior Paulo, Shannon Boyd and Josh Papalii can rediscover the form that made them the most feared pack in the NRL.

Canberra Raiders Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo had to slim down after the World Cup. Picture Gary Ramage

BACKS

On paper a backline of Nick Cotric, Jarrod Croker, Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua is athletic and entertaining. Power, brawn and a little bit of crazy, the right edge of Leipana holds the key in attack this year.

INS AND OUTS

Ins: Charlie Gubb (Warriors), Liam Knight (Roosters), Sam Williams (Wakefield Trinity), Michael Oldfield (Panthers), Brad Abbey (Bulldogs), Sitiveni Moceidreke (Rabbitohs) Craig Garvey (Bulldogs), Siliva Havili (Dragons).

Outs: Jordan Turner (Huddersfield Giants), Dave Taylor (Central Queensland Capras), Scott Sorensen (Sharks), Lachlan Croker (Sea Eagles), Clay Priest (Bulldogs), Adam Clydsdale (released), Erin Clark (released), Kurt Baptiste (Leigh Centurions).

BEST 17

1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Siliva Havili 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Joseph Tapine 13. Elliott Whitehead. Interchange: 14. Sam Williams 15. Sia Soliola 16. Luke Bateman 17. Charlie Gubb.

Jordan Rapana will aim to be another potent weapon for the Raiders in 2018. Picture: Mark Evans

FORM GUIDE

Past 5 years: 2017 10th, 2016 Finals (2nd), 2015 10th, 2014 15th,

PRE-SEASON STANDOUT

Nick Cotric. The Dally M Rookie of the Year hasn’t missed a step. He’s a beast in the gym who has put his tubby teammates to shame.

CASUALTY WARD

Josh Hodgson (ACL; due back, rd 20).

THEY’LL BE LEANING ON...

Aidan Sezer has been consistent without being a game-breaker. With no Hodgson, it’s time for Sezer to step up and take control of this side.

Originally published as 2018 Canberra Raiders preview: Can they do it without Hodgson?