The Mole: 'Make or break' signing stands between Raiders and decline
It's been a tough summer for the Raiders after narrowly missing finals footy in 2024.
Two favourite sons - club stalwarts Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead - have moved on and the club has had little joy in the transfer market… something fans are all too used to.
Last season the Raiders proved they could beat the NRL's big guns, but then had games where their heads appeared to be elsewhere and they conceded big scores to harm their for and against, which ultimately proved costly.
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The Raiders finished equal eighth with the Knights, but missed out on finals footy because of that poor defence.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart. Getty
Plugging the leaks has been a priority over the summer and fans will be looking for the players to spend less time behind their tryline staring at their boots.
English international Matty Nicholson comes in to replace countryman Whitehead but may take time to find his feet in the NRL.
Another make or break signing is former Eels youngster Ethan Sanders, who will be vying for the vital halfback spot.
If he can make the grade, the Raiders could finish a lot higher than my rating below.
Vegas and a clash with the unpredictable Warriors is a vital game for Ricky Stuart's troops and the veteran coach will have them primed for a strong performance in Sin City.
2025 gains
Ethan Sanders (Eels), Myles Martin (Knights), Savelio Tamale (Dragons).
Ethan Sanders has joined the Raiders from Parramatta. NRL Images
2025 losses
Elliott Whitehead (Catalans Dragons), Nick Cotric (Catalans Dragons), Zac Woolford (Huddersfield Giants), Adrian Trevilyan (Northern Pride), Jordan Rapana (Hull FC), Hohepa Puru (Sharks), James Schiller (Knights), Peter Hola (Norths Devils), Emre Guler (Dragons).
Best buy: Matty Nicholson - The Raiders have a long love affair with English forwards and this hard-running back-rower comes to the club with a glowing reputation in Super League.
It's a big season for: Jamal Fogarty - not one of the NRL's glamour halfbacks but a class act who can lead the team to some upset wins.
Jamal Fogarty is one of the Raiders' key players. Getty
Biggest question mark: The Raiders have lost a lot of experience - can the young guns step up and make the club a force again?
Predicted finish: 15th
Predicted 17 for round 1:
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kris 5. Savelio Tamale 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Trey Mooney 16. Matty Nicholson 17. Morgan Smithies
Sportsbet odds to win comp: $67 (correct at time of publishing)
