Season Preview: Canberra Raiders

The Raiders have lost two important pieces of the puzzle that has seen them make at least the Preliminary Final over the past two seasons. Nick Cotric is a big loss on the wing but John Bateman's exit is a huge kick in the guts.

Bateman's ability to ball plat as well as bust holes in opposition defences will be sorely missed. That said the Raiders still boast an incredible forward pack. Ryan James has made his way from the Titans and should play a big role this season.

Caleb Aekins is a clever in and can play multiple positions across the backline, or in the halves.

See Zero Tackle's own Dan Nichols over at Rugby League Outlaws