In the NRL, the term 'rebuild' is often frowned upon because it signals the prospect of a season littered with indifferent results, and the unpredictability is put down to the inexperience of youth.
Canberra Raiders fans probably need to brace themselves for such a season in 2024 with the departure of Jack Wighton, the retirement of Jarrod Croker, and the impending departures of Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead after the year.
That's a lot of experience heading out the door.
But it's not necessarily a downward spiral. Instead, the departures present opportunities for young players who have been biding their time in the NSW Cup.