As NRL clubs look hopefully towards next season - we pessimistically ponder the worst-case scenario for each of the 17 teams in 2023.
2. Canberra Raiders: Another prolonged Fogarty absence
It is no coincidence that the Raiders' resurgence last season coincided with the return of Jamal Fogarty.
Ricky Stuart placed a lot of faith in the former Titans halfback when he brought him to the nation's capital to plug the hole left by George Williams' departure.
The Green Machine lost an important piece when Fogarty suffered a knee injury in pre-season and was absent from their opening twelve games.
Upon his return, the Raiders were placed 10th with a record of 5 wins and 7 losses but with a healthy halfback on board, they went 14 and 10 sneaking into the top eight.
If fortune doesn't favour Fogarty, it could mean the return of the 'Canberra Faders' and an early holiday in September.
Before I read this, I thought “the worst that can happen” would be the same for each club: injury to one of its spine.
However – Dolphins, Dragons, West and Warriors – all about the club pulling together. Cows and Roosters – the same (to a lesser degree).
Perhaps this tells us that the influence of the coach – his ability to plan, organise, motivate and control his squad – is at least as important as that of any one player.