Canberra Raiders News

Canberra Raiders' Sione Finau aims to improve defensively and secure a consistent first-grade position.

LeagueNews.co

The potential of Canberra Raiders' outside back, Sione Finau, is clear, particularly in his offensive abilities.

During his limited experience in the NRL with the St George Illawarra Dragons, Finau demonstrated impressive finishing skills and speed that can compete with the league's elite. Yet, he recognizes that he still has areas to improve in order to become a consistent performer at the first-grade level.

When asked about his primary focus during the Raiders' pre-season, Finau stated, "My defence." He emphasized the importance of defense, noting, "I believe defence does win games, and as a winger, you gotta be good on both ends… that's one focus for me this year."

Alongside his commitment to improving defensively, Finau outlined a significant goal for 2026: to secure a permanent position in the first-grade squad. He expressed, "One of my goals is to play consistent NRL, not playing in and out of reserve grade."

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Dolphins' second-row positions intensify competition; Gilbert's return complicates selections for coach Woolf.

The Canberra Times

The hotly contested battle for Dolphins second-row spots is indicative of a race for positions in the pack, which will see highly rated forwards miss out on a round-one berth.

Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Oryn Keeley lead the second-row contest, but captain Tom Gilbert, who will return from a pec/shoulder injury in the trials, has already said he is training more in the back row than as a middle this pre-season.

The comeback of Gilbert, a certain starter against South Sydney on March 8, adds an extra dimension to the pleasant headache confronting coach Kristian Woolf.

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This season, the Panthers have a stable lineup after five years of reshaping post-premiership victories.

LeagueNews.co

This season marks the first time in five years that the Panthers will not defend a premiership title, as they enter with a more stable lineup.

Unlike the previous four seasons, in which the team had to continually reshape itself after each premiership victory due to the departure of standout players like Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton (all now with the Bulldogs), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), and Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers), this year presents a different scenario.

During their remarkable title run from 2021 to 2024, the Panthers lost 23 top-tier players to rival teams. This year's exits include figures such as Brad Schneider (Dolphins), Luke Sommerton (Titans), Daine Laurie (Raiders), Soni Luke (Cowboys), and Mavrik Geyer (Wests Tigers).

The impact of these departures is significant, especially in terms of Penrith's depth. Backup hooker Billy Scott, who played for NSW U19s in 2023, remains untested at the NRL level, while their main signings include Warriors forwards Tom Ale and Kalani Going.

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