They've both lost key playmakers who steered them to last year's decider, but Queanbeyan Kangaroos and Belconnen United remain confident of contending for the most open Canberra Raiders Cup title in years.
Having filled a captain-coach role for the Kangaroos the past three years, a serious knee injury has forced Aaron Gorrell to hang up the boots.
The Scholars will attempt to defend their premiership without pivot Brent Crisp, who has moved to Queensland to work in the mines.
Crisp was awarded last year's Les McIntyre Medal as the league's best player, and was also named man of the match in Belconnen's grand final win over the Kangaroos.
Both teams are still adjusting to playing without the former NRL stars before Saturday's grand final rematch at Freebody Oval.
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http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/grand-finalists-still-adjusting-to-life-after-stars-20130621-2oolz.html#ixzz2WuBMzABs
Topic: Grand finalists still adjusting to life after stars
