Canberra Raiders must address leadership voids and seek experienced players to improve in the 2027 season after significant changes.
Canberra went from minor premiers to missing finals within the space of a season without a radical change in their squad. But with more exits still to come, where are they finding improvement in 2027?
Code Sports has compiled a six-point, fix-it dossier for the Raiders to resurface from the bottom of the ladder next season.
Pressure gauge: Critical
The Reality: The retirement of Josh Papali'i and exit of Jayden Brailey (Wests Tigers) creates a leadership void that desperately needs filling for 2027. Papali'i is the heart and soul of Canberra and has been for years now, helping create a hardworking and honest culture through all the club's success of recent seasons. The squad is already young and developing, and taking more experience out of the leadership group is a concern.
The fix: Joe Tapine's leadership and the rise of Hudson Young as a senior figure in the team will be a heavy focus in 2027, but they need backup. Tapine and Zac Hosking will be the only players in their 30s next year, and with such a young squad they're missing some NRL hardened players who can help drive not only off-field culture but on-field leadership. The only answer is to find them and sign them.