The worst injury crisis of Ricky Stuart's coaching career has helped establish one of the strongest forward rotations in recent memory.

Canberra will boast more than 2000 games of top-flight experience across 14 forwards in 2021, a figure none of their 15 NRL rivals come close to matching.

The returns of Josh Hodgson (ACL), Corey Horsburgh (foot), Emre Guler (ankle) and signing of Titans veteran Ryan James make for fierce competition in Stuart's starting 17 this season.



More: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2021/01/19/sticky-selections-2000-games-of-depth-leave-canberra-rivals-in-dust/

Canberra may have lost a couple of marquee men but fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad believes their premiership window remains firmly open.

The departures of John Bateman, who has returned home to England to play for Wigan, and Bulldogs recruit Nick Cotric have depleted the Raiders of two strike weapons heading into season 2021.

However, after bowing out in a preliminary final against eventual premiers Melbourne last year, Nicoll-Klokstad is confident Canberra are still capable of going all the way.

"We've had that little period to prepare for [Bateman and Cotric's exits]. The players that are coming in to take over those two great players, they're great players in themselves as well," he said.

"Whether they be cemented NRL players or they haven't really had a shot at it yet. We've got a really good system at the moment where we've got really great young kids coming through.



More: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2021/01/18/raiders-down-two-but-far-from-out-of-title-fight-cnk/

It is not every weekend in the off-season Canberra Raiders playmaker Sam Williams gets to live out his summer passion: cricket. However, the stars aligned on Saturday as Williams made his debut for North Canberra-Gungahlin's first grade side against Weston Creek Molonglo, alongside good mate Lachlan Whatmough at Keith Tournier Memorial Oval. It was Williams' first appearance in ACT Premier Cricket since 2019, where he turned out for ANU. "Basically, the reason why you play sport most the time is because you have got mates playing and you enjoy the game," Williams said.  "I had a good mate in this side [Whatmough] and he gave me a buzz in the last week seeing if I was interested in having a game.

More: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7088574/sams-still-a-first-g-raider-williams-answers-mates-call-for-ncg/?cs=14239

Ben Hannant wants to teach his eight kids things in life will scare them but they have what it takes to overcome those obstacles. That's why the two-time NRL premiership winner is preparing to fill a massive void and step into the ring against Canberra Raiders wrecking ball Josh Papalii on February 12. The pair of heavyweights will collide on the All Stars Rugby League fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. Papalii was originally slated to face Melbourne Storm giant Nelson Asofa Solomona but he was drafted back to pre-season training after struggling to get his weight under control. Now Hannant will step up to the task against a 28-year-old determined to make his chance count after chasing a boxing fight for the past three years.

More: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7087712/papalii-to-fight-dual-title-winner/?cs=14239

Want to win an official Indigenous or Maori All Stars Jersey signed by all the Players? All you have to do is vote for your Harvey Norman Indigenous and Maori All Stars team and you could win.

One lucky entrant who selects their team will be in with a chance to win:

Major prize:

• 1 x JBL Party Box 300
• 1 x signed jersey

Minor Prize:

• 4 lucky entrants who select their team will be in with a chance to win:
• 1 x signed jersey
• 1 x $50 Harvey Norman gift card

Entries close midnight (AEDT) on Friday, January 22. View the full competition terms and conditions on the website.

Using the NRL app? Visit the website to vote.



More: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2021/01/14/pick-your-indigenous-and-maori-all-stars-team/