Canberra Raiders 2024 season review
Overview
It was a case of what might have been for the Raiders, who fell just short of a third straight finals berth, as the Knights pipped them on points difference.
Having the second-worst error rate and fewest line breaks in the competition ultimately cost them, as Newcastle’s tighter defence proved the difference.
Four wins from their opening six games had the Raiders in a healthy position to start the year, but they never quite nailed down a top eight spot, and a run of four straight losses between rounds 15 and 18 cost them.
Despite the disappointment of finishing ninth though, it was a spirited effort from the Green Machine, who finished the year with three straight wins.
Highs
Back-to-back victories in rounds 25 and 26 against the Panthers and the Roosters were proof that on their day, the Raiders can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the NRL.
They also went to Golden Point twice this year, and came out on top on both occasions – a telltale sign of a team that gets the job done and fights to the finish.
Meanwhile, Raiders stalwarts like Hudson Young, Joe Tapine and Josh Papali’i had strong seasons, Matthew Timoko continued to make strong progress and Xavier Savage had a breakout year with 15 tries. And not forgetting English forward, Morgan Smithies, who was an ever-present in his first season down under.
Lows
Round 15 saw the Raiders booed off the pitch at half-time in their 16-34 loss at home to the Cowboys. That was the first of four straight losses in a run which saw them pick up just two wins from nine games.
There were some heavy defeats during the year too – most notably a 0-40 loss at home to the Sharks and a 42-4 hammering away to the Cowboys.
As for individuals, Corey Horsburgh’s alarming fall from grace was a talking point this year. After an outstanding 2023 which resulted in an Origin call-up, he only played five times in 2024 and spent most of the year in reserve grade. He did at least come back for the final three games of the season, and rumours of an exit for 2025 have quietened down for now.
Reasons to be positive in 2025
Canberra’s knack for giving untried youngsters a chance will continue next year, with Ethan Sanders joining from the Eels, and Matty Nicholson coming over from Warrington.
The Raiders have had plenty of success in the past few years with young players – especially from Super League – and it’ll be interesting to see how they go in 2025.
And let’s not forget, more often than not the Raiders find themselves in and around the eight when it comes to the business end of the season, so there’s every chance they can climb that all important extra place on the ladder next year.
My 2024 prediction – 12th
Final 2024 position – 9th (+3)
I was right in thinking the Raiders would miss out on finals, but they went closer to getting there than I expected. They’re always competitive, but next year I’d love to see Canberra add a player with some x-factor to help propel them up the ladder. As it stands, I can see next year being very similar to this one.
