The team from the nation’s capital provided a near-fairytale finish to a roller coaster 2010 season. The Raiders looked very shaky at the start of the season. By round 10, the Green Machine were looking a little blue, registering only three wins.

After a couple of solid victories and a bye, the Raiders made it back up the ladder, nicely placed in equal seventh on 14 points – their poor for and against keeping them out of the top eight.

Unfortunately for the lime greens, the four-point victory over the Titans came at a cost, losing their strike fullback Josh Dugan for two weeks with a medial knee ligament strain. The injury forced the Country Origin representative out for two weeks and the Raiders lost both games in his absence. They would lose two more thereafter, extending their losing streak to four matches. That being said, all four games were relatively close, with ten points being the biggest margin.

With the four losses, it looked like the Raiders were out of the finals picture, until an amazing run helped the Raiders get back in contention. The Raiders then gained momentum, like the 2009 Parramatta Eels, winning eight of their final nine matches. The last win was crucial, for not only their season, but for the club as a whole, keeping up their 24-year run of not missing finals football.

In recent years, the Raiders have been poor travellers, however in 2010 they managed to chalk up six victories in the regular season, including three of their first four wins away to quality opposition (Parramatta, Warriors and St. George-Illawarra). This was their best away record since 2003.

Dropping the Pennies

To stay alive in the finals, the Raiders would have to travel to Penrith to play the second ranked Penrith Panthers. Both teams battled for the full 80 minutes. Canberra held onto a slender two point lead late in the second half and emerged victorious with a hard fought 24-22 upset. The two-point victory was the Raiders’ sixth win on the trot, becoming the biggest win streak in the NRL for 2010 and was the first finals victory for the ‘Green Machine’ for ten years. The upset win gave Raiders fans hope of possibly returning to the GF for the first time since 2004. Winning away at Penrith gave the Raiders the right to play a home semi-final against the Tigers.

What could have been

The Raiders were on a high and the Tigers were reeling from a physically and emotionally draining golden point loss to the Sydney Roosters. In front of a record crowd of 26,476 fans, the Raiders were ambushed by a surprisingly energised Tigers attack led by Benji Marshall. The Tigers registered three tries, shooting out to a 18-6 lead. The Raiders could never get ahead of the Tigers and when playmaker and captain Terry Campese went down with a serious knee injury, it made the job even harder. The Raiders rallied behind the inspiring play of ex-Tiger Bronson Harrison to get within two points. However, when promising centre Jarrod Croker had a chance to tie the scores with a late penalty goal, the 20-year-old put the attempt well wide. The Tigers held on for a 26-24 victory, winning the right to play the Dragons for a grand final spot.

The Raiders missed a good opportunity to return to their first grand final since their grand final victory in 1994. The Raiders record against St.George-Illawarra has been stellar in recent years, having won 12 of their last 13 matches including the last five matches (twice in 2010) They would have been quite confident heading into the grand final qualifier having had so much success against the eventual premiers.

Represent, represent

It was evident that the majority of the Raiders roster improved dramatically over the season. Representative football made players like David Shillington, Tom Lehroyd-Lars, Josh Dugan and Bronson Harrison went from strength-to-strength.

David Shillington had his best season yet. The Rooster reject got the start in the Anzac Test for the Kangaroos, played in all three Origin wins for Queensland, and was instrumental in the success of the Raiders deep into the season. His efforts landed him the Dally M Prop of the Year award as well as the Mal Meninga Medal for the club’s player of the year.

The successful development of the youngsters such as Joel Thompson, Daniel Vidot, Reece Robinson, Trevor Thurling, Jarrod Croker and Marc Herbert were an integral part in the success of the Raiders.

Coach David Furner gave three juniors their first taste of NRL football. Hard running second-rower Sam Mataora and flashy wingers Drury Low and James Stuart made a handful of appearances throughout the season. Low and Mataora had successful Toyota Cup seasons being rewarded with spots in the 2010 Toyota Cup Team of the Year for their respective positions.

Capital gains

The Raiders have recruited some big names to bolster their already talented ranks and have no doubt improved on their squad of 2010. Obvious salary cap constraints down south meant that premiership winning prop Brett White had to leave and the Raiders snapped up the Snowy Mountains junior for three years. They also snared talented winger Blake Ferguson from the Sharks for two seasons. The 20-year-old was unhappy in ‘The Shire’ and wanted to go to a team that could be a contender for 2011. The Raiders also picked up Warriors Toyota Cup winning prop Mark Ioane. The Junior Kiwi may prove to be a handy acquisition for coach Furner and may even see some time in the top grade around Origin time. Junior Kangaroos winger Nathan Massey was snapped up from the Bulldogs. He will add further depth to a backline already sprinkled with talent. In breaking news it looks as though the Raiders have signed half-back Matt Orford from the Bradford Bulls in the U.K. Super League with details of the contract coming out later in the week.

The Raiders on the other hand have also lost a handful of fringe first graders. Veterans Scott Logan and Adam Mogg have retired, Justin Carney left for the grand-finalist Sydney Roosters, Troy Thompson theoretically replaces Brett White at the Storm and Marc Herbert departed for the U.K. Super League.

The Raiders also lost the services of Origin representative, outside back Joel Monaghan. After a scandal broke out with some compromising pictures taken on the Raiders’ Mad Monday celebrations were released to the media, it caused the Raiders junior to resign from the club. Monaghan will be looking to get his game and life back on track reuniting with his brother, Michael at Warrington in the U.K. Super League.

Depth Chart

Props:

Starters: David Shillington, Tom Lehroyd-Lars
Bench: Brett White, Dane Tilse, Mark Ioane

With the addition of White, Canberra now possess a four-prop rotation to match any in the NRL. Shillington, Lehroyd-Lars and White have all played at Origin and Australian level in recent years and will bring strength to the team. In 2010, one of their most underrated performers was Dane Tilse. Tilse played in all 28 matches last season, really stepping up in the second half. Raiders coach David Furner moved the 200cm big man to the bench and got more out of his forward. He provided solid performances putting up around 14.5 carries per game, averaging around 116 metres per game. He still managed to make 337 runs, ranking him 15th in the NRL. Opposition teams will have their hands full trying to keep the Raiders go forward quiet in 2011.

Hooker:

Starter: Travis Waddell/Glen Buttriss
Bench: Glen Buttriss/Travis Waddell, Alan Tongue

The hooker position is a real toss-up with all three having had spells in the number-nine jersey throughout the 2010 season. Alan Tongue started the season as the starting hooker, but his versatility could see the 200 gamer come off the bench. Buttriss led all three in runs, metres and tackles per game (32.7 per game) and he only gave away one penalty in 885 minutes. However when Waddell was the starting hooker, the Raiders record was 5-1 (4-0 when he played 80 minutes) Coach Furner is blessed with options but will probably look to have all three in their 17-man side as much as possible. With a talented backline and with a mobile forward pack, the rotation system may spark their go-forward, tiring their opposition and limiting their opposition’s forwards in the process.

Second Rowers:

Starters: Bronson Harrison, Joe Picker
Reserves: Josh Miller, Trevor Thurling, Sam Mataora,

Harrison had a season to remember for the Green Machine. He was arguably the Raiders best player in their semi-final loss to his old club, the Wests Tigers. The 25-year-old was an absolute handful for opposition. Throughout the 2010 season, the Kiwi international had 54 offloads, (4th most in the NRL), busted through 73 tackles, and assisted on 12 line breaks and eight tries. He also backed up on defense making a team-high 691 tackles. A tough decision is who to accompany Harrison in the second row. With Thurling and Mataora providing probably their best off the bench, it will probably come down to the pre-season form of Miller and Picker who both played well for Furner last year.

Lock:

Starter: Shaun Fensom
Reserve: Alan Tongue

When you force Alan Tongue, one of the teams’ cult heroes and leaders, out of the starting line-up, you have to be a pretty solid and reliable contributor. That’s exactly what Shaun Fensom is. Fensom got his break in first grade in 2009 after captaining the Raiders’ Under 20’s team to win the inaugural Toyota Cup title in 2008. His work ethic is through the roof and he will tackle all day. Although injury restricted his season to 16 games, he still made 587 tackles, averaging 36.7 per game. He registered 50 or more tackles in three of those games including 51 in the qualifying final win against the Panthers. If Fensom can have a season free of injury, he will no doubt be one of or if not the, NRL tackle leader.

Halfback:

Starter: Matt Orford
Reserve: Josh McCrone, Alan Tongue

The Raiders have been on the hunt for an experienced playmaker to couple with Campese for the last few seasons. They’re hoping to clinch a deal which will bring the 2008 Dally M Player of the Year, Matt Orford, to the nation’s capital in 2011. Orford’s will be etering his 12th year of professional football, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the relatively ‘green’ team. Whilst Campese is out, ‘The Ox’ will have some big shoes to fill. Campese has been the Raiders offensive catalyst over the last three years and was reflected in his impressive stats from last season – 24 line break assists, 15 try-assists, forced 25 drop outs and connected on four 40/20’s. The good news for the Raiders is that when Campese returns, the Raiders will have one of the best halves combinations in the NRL.

In 2010, Josh McCrone went on to become one of the league’s most improved halfbacks. The Temora junior scored seven tries and assisted in 12. Unfortunately though he will find it tough to crack the top grade with Orford now in the squad. It looks like the 23-year-old will be impressing fans either off the bench or in the Queensland Cup with feeder club, Souths Logan.

Five-Eighth:

Starter: Michael Picker
Reserve: Josh McCrone, Josh Dugan
Injured: Terry Campese

Michael Picker looks like the unfortunate man that will have to step into injured star Terry Campese’s shoes as the Raiders five-eighth for 2011. The 20-year-old Picker, has been in the Raiders farm system for the last five years and was a member of the premiership winning Toyota Cup team in 2008. He has yet to make his NRL debut, but has been on the radar. With Orford’s signing, the pressure on Picker in taking over from Campese should be diluted. The Raiders have stuck by their talented five-eighth, even after being charged with DUI in September, where in the past they have not been so tolerant (Todd Carney – bad call?). He is contracted until the end of 2012 and will look to repay his employees faith with a good showing in 2011. However, if Picker does not settle into the position, I’m sure half back McCrone will be snapping at his heels, eager to get a chance to get a position in the squad.

Centres:

Starters: Joel Thompson, Jarrod Croker
Reserves: Blake Ferguson

Both Jarrod Croker and Joel Thompson had stellar years for the Green Machine in 2010. Croker secured his centre position with some great form throughout the year and took over the goal-kicking duties in Round 15 converting 53 goals. However, his season will be remembered for what would have been his 54th, a routine penalty goal that he missed in the two-point semi-final loss against the Tigers. Thompson’s season was cut short after complications with a groin injury that ruled him out for the last eleven games of the season. Despite this, he still managed to score 12 tries in 17 games. His impressive early season form earned the 22-year-old a two-year contract extension, locking him in with the Raiders until the end of the 2012 season. His versatility is an advantage as he can potentially deputise in the second-row if required No doubt a healthy Thompson will cause opposition headaches wherever he plays on the park.

Wingers:

Starters: Daniel Vidot, Reece Robinson
Bench: Drury Low, Blake Ferguson, Nathan Massey, James Stuart

Daniel Vidot had a breakout 2010 season out on the wing for the Raiders scoring a team-high 16 tries. His form put him on the radar for Queensland Origin selection for 2011. With Israel Folau heading to the AFL, he will need to keep crossing that try line with Brisbane’s Jharal Yow Yeh and Wests Tigers Lote Tuqiri also in the hunt for the vacant spot. Vidot benefited from having quality teammates outside him with Bronson Harrison and Joel Thompson also playing down the right side. If Vidot starts to struggle, there is a handful of players ready for a taste of NRL action.

The second wing position will be hotly contested between Reece Robinson, Drury Low and Sharks recruit Blake Ferguson. Ferguson scored seven tries with the offensively challenged Sharks in 2010 and the change of scenery could provide a perfect showcase of his attacking talent. Robinson and Low performed prolifically in the limited appearances for the Raiders last season. Robinson bagged five tries in five games including a four-try effort against the Cowboys. Low scored three tries in two games, which included a double against the Warriors. He even scored in both games when representing the Junior Kiwis against the Junior Kangaroos. The competition over the wing positions will be fierce.

Fullback:

Starter: Josh Dugan
Reserve: David Milne

The young superstar known as ‘Duges’ showed that the hype was true and that this was the future of not only Canberra but also New South Wales football. At only 20, Dugan led from the back and terrorised the opposition with his blistering attack. Dugan made an NRL best 3643 metres and broke through 170 tackles.

Dugan impressed representing Country, earning him a man-of-the-match performance. The impressive performance has put Dugan on the New South Wales Origin radar placing him up with top fullbacks Jarryd Hayne and Kurt Gidley. He eventually made the 21-man Blues squad for 2010 but did not get to debut. The Raiders will be looking for Dugan to keep up his scintillating 2010 form into 2011 and continue to impress Origin selectors. The only thing that might hold Dugan back is his propensity for niggling injuries. If Dugan does have time off or is away on Origin duty, David Milne will be awaiting for a call-up.

2011 outlook

David Furner will have to be wary that 2010 might have been a fluke. Many predicted that Parramatta Eels, whom they were compared to last year, struggled to back up after such an unexpected successful 2009 failing to reach the finals the following season. The Raiders have recruited very well, signing three talented players. Campese’s injury will obviously force Michael Picker to display his talents and really see if he is ready to mix it with the big boys. Furner has relied on his junior talents in the past with mixed results.

I think the Raiders should challenge for a finals spot, but it will rest on a couple of key areas. Canberra’s away record has been poor at best pre-2010 but may need to improve on their seven wins last year to get them deep into September football.

Without Campese, Matt Orford is going to have to lead this talented but inexperienced backline. The Raiders solid forward pack will be their strength. If they can get their backs in solid field position, then it will make Matt Orford and Michael Pickers’s job that much easier.

From top to bottom, the Raiders look to be building something special. Most of their talent is signed for the next two years, and if the team stay in contention and get the services of Campese late in the season, then they are in with a chance.

On the back of this year’s team, it is evident that the Raiders are not far from being the real deal and can beat anyone on their day. Led off the park by the Don and David Furner, this club is looking at creating a dynasty similar to what their father, Don, was a part of in the late eighties and early nineties.

Fantasy values

Definitely find room for these guys:

Josh Dugan and Bronson Harrison

Good value:

Joel Thompson, similar numbers to Mitchell Aubusson. Shaun Fensom, if tackling is a valued stat, this is probably your guy!

Sleeper:

Trevor Thurling, second-rower – gets through a ton of work off the bench and can score a cheeky four-pointer.

Watch out for these guys:

Raiders wingers. Vidot should snare one spot. Make sure you keep an eye out for who’s starting with a solid rotation of Low, Robinson and Ferguson.