Prediction: Ninth

Finish: Sixth

Canberra went into the 2022 season relying heavily on Gold Coast recruit Jamal Fogarty to fill the shoes of departed English halfback George Williams. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Fogarty was injured before the season started. He recovered to help guide Canberra into the finals, despite playing just thirteen regular season games.

Canberra won their opening game of the season, 24-19 against Cronulla, but quickly slipped down the ladder. By round eight the Raiders were in a four way tie for last spot. Wins over Cronulla and Souths proved to be a turning point, and the Raiders were back in finals contention by the midway point of the season.

The Raiders moved into ninth place towards the end of the season, taking advantage of a faltering Manly. Going into the final round, Canberra were still ninth, behind Brisbane on percentages. They watched the Broncos go down to St George-Illawarra before towelling up Wests Tigers 56-10 to book their place in the finals.

After knocking out Melbourne in the first week of the finals, Canberra’s run came to an end with a 40-4 shellacking at the hands of a red hot Parramatta side. Despite the disappointment, Canberra fans can be proud of their team’s tenacity to hang in all year and clinch their finals berth.

Coach Ricky Stuart should be credited for keeping the club together during the difficult early rounds. Joseph Tapine moved to a new level this year, while youngsters Xavier Savage, Sebastian Kris, Hudson Young and Matthew Timoko made the most of their opportunities. Veterans Jack Wighton, Josh Papali’i and Elliott Whitehead lay a solid platform for the Raiders, and there’s no reason why Canberra can’t improve in 2023.

GRADE: A-