For the upcoming season, I plan to ask each team’s most passionate fans about their outlook through a series of questions.

No one knows a team better than the fans who follow them closely. Special thanks to fan site The Greenhouse contributors Lui_Bon (L.B), BadnMean (B.M), and Botman (B.T), who took the time to share their insights.

The impact of the Las Vegas opener

The Canberra Raiders will kick off their season in Las Vegas, a historic occasion for the club and the NRL. However, does this international fixture pose a potential disruption to their early-season form?

L.B.: The Vegas trip itself isn’t necessarily a problem; it’s the brutal travel schedule in the weeks following that could take a toll. Playing away games in extreme conditions, such as the heat and humidity in North Queensland and Darwin, could stretch the squad’s endurance. If the team can secure at least four wins from their first nine games, it would be a reasonable start to the season.

B.M.: Winning in Vegas is crucial because the road ahead is relentless. The Raiders will have to deal with severe travel fatigue, including long-haul flights, changing time zones, and tough climates. The mental and physical toll will be enormous, and getting early wins will be essential to maintaining momentum.

B.T.: My biggest concern isn’t the travel itself, but whether the team can improve their red-zone attack. The Raiders struggled to capitalise on scoring opportunities last year, and unless they fix this, the extra travel could be an added burden. Ethan Sanders might provide a spark, but patience with Danny Levi at hooker remains a key issue.

Forward pack leadership

With Josh Papalii nearing the twilight of his career, who will rise to support Joe Tapine in leading the forward pack?

L.B.: Papalii still has value, but at this stage, he should be utilized off the bench to maximise his impact. Corey Horsburgh is set for a bounce-back year after an injury-interrupted season, while Trey Mooney, Ata Mariota, and Pasami Saulo need to establish themselves. The forward pack’s depth will be tested, and leadership beyond Tapine will be essential.

B.M.: Horsburgh is the standout candidate to step up, especially with his aggressive playing style and determination to return to State of Origin contention. A potential dark horse is Jordan Martin, a young forward who could push for a debut and make an impact. The Raiders have options, but leadership and consistency will determine their success.

B.T.: The forward pack will dictate the team’s fortunes, and Horsburgh should be a focal point. He has the drive and energy to take charge, while Mariota and Mooney need to establish themselves as key figures in the rotation. If these younger forwards can step up, the Raiders will be in a strong position moving forward.

Corey Horsburgh of the Canberra Raiders. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

British influence: Matty Nicholson’s role

With a strong history of British talent, can Matty Nicholson fill the void left by Elliott Whitehead?

L.B.: Nicholson has the potential to be a long-term solution, but replacing Whitehead’s leadership and underrated defensive work won’t be easy. Whitehead’s decline in recent years overshadowed how valuable he was in his prime. Nicholson needs time to adjust, and while he’s a promising player, expecting him to immediately fill Whitehead’s role might be unrealistic.

B.M.: Nicholson’s role remains uncertain, and he’s facing competition from Jordan Martin. It’s possible that he starts on the bench or spends time in NSW Cup before being fully integrated. The Raiders have a history of developing British forwards well, but this transition will take time.

B.T.: Super League transitions can be unpredictable, but Nicholson should be an improvement over the 2023-24 version of Whitehead, who was past his best. If Nicholson can adapt quickly, he could offer more impact in attack while maintaining solid defensive contributions.

Halfback dilemma: the future of the No.7 jersey

Could Ethan Sanders become the Raiders’ starting halfback this season? Should the club exercise their option on Jamal Fogarty for 2026?

L.B.: Sanders has the talent to step into the role, and he could potentially form a partnership with Fogarty. The club should trigger Fogarty’s 2026 option to maintain stability but should reassess as Sanders and Ethan Strange develop. The ideal scenario is a gradual transition where the young halves are given the time to prove themselves.

Ethan Strange. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

B.M.: Sanders will definitely play first grade this year, whether as a starting half or off the bench. However, extending Fogarty isn’t the best long-term move—he should be kept as depth rather than the main playmaker. If Sanders and Strange show promise, the Raiders should start planning for the future immediately.

B.T.: Sanders should be pushing for the No.7 jersey by season’s end. The real priority is getting him and Strange playing together regularly so they can form a strong combination for 2026 and beyond. Ideally, the team phases out Fogarty in favor of the younger halves.

Fullback battle

With Kaeo Weekes, Chevy Stewart, and Xavier Savage in contention, who will be the Raiders’ starting fullback?

L.B.: Weekes is the frontrunner for the position. He has the skill set the team needs, and while Stewart is a promising talent, he still requires further development. Savage, despite his potential, hasn’t shown enough consistency to be considered a serious contender.

B.M.: Weekes is in pole position and will start the season at fullback. Stewart will likely develop in NSW Cup and could get a chance later in the season due to injuries or form. Savage’s role remains unclear, but he seems to have fallen down the pecking order.

B.T.: Weekes should retain the fullback role unless Stewart forces a mid-season change. While Savage has speed, his overall game hasn’t developed enough to be a genuine starting option at this stage.

Breakout players and rising stars

Which player is poised for a breakout year?

L.B.: Owen Pattie could emerge as a valuable option at hooker, an area of need for the Raiders. Ethan Sanders and Jordan Martin also have strong potential to make an impact, with Sanders in particular showing glimpses of real playmaking ability that could push him into the first-grade side sooner rather than later.

B.M.: Weekes is primed for a breakout season, especially if he locks down the fullback role. Other potential surprises include Xavier Savage, who still has something to prove and has all the tools to make a big impact if given the right opportunities, and Jordan Martin, who could force his way into the team through sheer determination and hard work.

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

B.T.: Nicholson, Albert Hopoate, and the Martin brothers are all capable of stepping up. The young talent in the squad will be crucial to the team’s success, with Nicholson in particular having the potential to add an extra dimension to the forward pack if he adjusts quickly to the NRL.

Expectations for 2025

What is a pass mark for the season? What would constitute failure?

L.B.: Finals qualification is the baseline. Beyond just making the top eight, the team needs to show genuine improvement in attack and defenxe. If the Raiders stagnate, fail to develop their young talent, or continue to struggle in key areas like their spine, it will be a wasted season and a step backward in their rebuild.

B.M.: A top-eight finish is expected, but how they get there is just as important. The Raiders need to show progress in their overall game, particularly in their spine and attacking structures, to build towards long-term success. A season where they scrape into the finals without evident progress would be a concern.

B.T.: The focus should be on development rather than short-term success. If the team isn’t setting up for future competitiveness by giving younger players key roles and refining their game plan, it’s a wasted season, even if they sneak into the top eight.