Canberra’s small forwards could be exposed in 2019, writes Anthony Griffin
Big men win big games. Unfortunately, the Canberra Raiders look decidedly undermanned in the front row going into the 2019 season, writes former Penrith coach Anthony Griffin.
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Big men win big games.
Unfortunately, the Canberra Raiders look decidedly undermanned in the front row going into the 2019 season.
The Raiders will be under pressure from the outset, desperate to avoid last year’s slow start that ultimately left them five wins outside the top eight.
The good news is, their three consecutive losses to start 2018 were all by two points or fewer.
In each game they led well into the second half but were run down.
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And they played the first 14 rounds without their best playmaker, hooker Josh Hodgson.
Over the season, in eight losses the margin was less than four points.
This could have been a lack of fitness or direction — due to the absence of Hodgson — or a combination of both.
With their opening games against three teams with powerful forward packs — the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Newcastle — Ricky Stuart’s men face a tough task.
FORWARD THINKING
With the loss of internationals Shannon Boyd and Junior Paulo, most of the starting responsibilities will lie on veteran Sia Soliola and Englishman Ryan Sutton. Soliola is an experienced campaigner with undoubted toughness, but at 100kg he’s a lightweight front-rower.
Sutton is on his first mission into the intensity and speed of the NRL. Although the Raiders’ success with fellow Englishmen Hodgson and Elliot Whitehead should give them confidence.
Dunamis Lui is the only other recognised prop on the roster.
He played in every game last season and started in 11.
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Luke Bateman is another hardworking lightweight middle forward who plays most of his minutes at lock.
Then there is a group of youngsters who will be relied upon to step up.
Emre Guler looks ready for this level after debuting and playing three games at the back end of 2019.
Recruit JJ Collins, Raiders junior Jack Murchie and Royce Hunt will also get game time.
If they can make a name for themselves the Raiders may potentially play finals football again.
BACK-UP
There are no problems in the Green Machine’s back row. They have four internationals to strengthen the pack.
Whitehead will play left edge and Joe Tapine will be on the right. At lock, Josh Papalii will complete one of the best back row combinations in the game.
On the interchange, John Bateman can rotate in any position needed in his first season. They have enormous strike power at the back. Any injuries to Soliola, Sutton or Lui will be difficult to cover unless they have another purchase up their sleeve.
BACKLINE
Stuart starts another season with the headache of an international being injured in the off-season. Brilliant winger/fullback Jordan Rapana is rehabbing a shoulder reconstruction following the Kiwis’ tour of England.
PLAYMAKERS
It looks as though Jack Wighton will return to the halves alongside Aidan Sezer.
This is a good move by Ricky Stuart for two reasons. Firstly, Wighton is a big body in the defensive line and a dangerous runner of the football. Secondly, it gives Nick Cotric or Jordan Rapana (when fit) extra involvement from the fullback position.
Combine this with Hodgson at dummy half and the Raiders playmaker group looks very classy. Hodgson and Sezer will be the generals upfront and control the kicking game, leaving Wighton and Cotric/Rapana to unleash their running games.
The depth will come from halves Sam Williams and Ata Hingano with the versatility of Siliva Havili another asset from the interchange. Having Hodgson fit to start the season this year is huge for Canberra. He is their co-captain and more than capable of steering them home in the early rounds.
CENTRES OF ATTENTION
Jarrod Croker (left) and Joey Leilua (right) look set to start in their respective centre positions which is a big plus for the Raiders. They are two of the best attacking centres in the NRL.
Moving Wighton to defend inside Leilua shapes as a plus for the team also. The right edge defence of the departed Blake Austin and Leilua has been a regular target of opposition attacks in the past. But Wighton is a strong defender and his presence will help sure up that side of the line.
WINGING IT
The big question is who plays on the flanks.
Michael Oldfield is struggling with a groin injury. If fit, he is a good finisher who scored six tries in eight appearances in 2018.
Other contenders are Warriors recruit Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Brad Abbey.
The bolter could be local junior Seb Kris, who has been added to the top 30.
Croker and Leilua give them a strong look although, as with the front row, there’s not a great deal of depth here.
ATTACKING RAIDS
The Raiders have plenty of attacking ability. They finished second in attack (563 points) last season. With the playmaker group they have and the quality in the back row it’s not hard to see them post similar numbers this year.
The issue for them will be whether they can consistently play out a strong 80 minutes. They need to come up with some improved defensive performances (ranked 12th in 2018), to complement their attacking firepower. Their draw is OK, they have 4 of the first 6 games at home.
ROOKIE TO WATCH
21-year-old Prop Emre Gurler got his first taste of NRL in 2018. He has the opportunity this season to cement a spot in the 17.
STAT ATTACK
On eight occasions in 2018 the Raiders scored 20 points or more and lost.
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