Palmerston Raiders are after finals redemption with their eyes on taking the 2020 NRL NT title

PALMERSTON coach Daniel Keelan and his charges are itching to settle the score after falling at the final hurdle in the 2019 NRL NT season.

Alex Johnson is expected to have a big season for Palmerston once again.

PALMERSTON coach Daniel Keelan and his charges are itching to settle the score after falling at the final hurdle in the 2019 NRL NT season.

The Raiders will retain most of their playing squad, which reached the finals last year, and it was the only side to score a win over eventual winners Litchfield Bears.

“I think everyone at every club is excited to get back out there and play some footy,” Keelan told the NT News.

“The boys have come back all right after not being able to train together. We only came back to contact training last week and there are still a couple of guys doing their own because of restrictions.

“But we’re seeing the same group of players back in training and good numbers.”

The side has not named a captain just yet, but Keelan is eyeing the likes of Alex Johnson and Blake Fletcher to have big seasons.

While Raiders will be looking to spoil a possible Bears three-peat, it is their first game against Brothers next Saturday which Keelan has his eyes on.

“Hopefully, the whole squad stands up this year. We’re itching to settle that loss with Bears (in the 2019 grand final) and spoil the three-peat,” Keelan said.

“Though our focus for now is to get this season off to a good start in that first game against Brothers. They’re a fit, young side that will test us with their fitness, so we need to be ready for them.

“We will be looking to play clean, tough footy this season with a mind to that mateship, teamwork and family feel we’re always looking for at Raiders, hoping they jell together.”