The Raiders entered 2025 with modest expectations, yet their campaign became one of the most dramatic storylines of the NRL season.
Ricky Stuart's squad was widely tipped to struggle, with bookmakers installing them as favourites for the wooden spoon.
Their bleak outlook was a reflection of the doubts about a roster who had failed to make the top-eight a season prior, and lost two of the club's most tenured veterans.
Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Rapana's departures left a significant leadership void. Their absence forced younger players into bigger roles earlier than expected.
Ethan Strange emerged as the face of Canberra's future. His power and relentlessness as a five-eighth give fans belief that the Raiders have unearthed a genuine star.
He combined with Jamal Fogarty, whose steady hand at halfback guided the team around the park.
Kaeo Weekes also impressed at fullback, showcasing his ability to turn half-chances into four-pointers on a weekly basis.
At dummy half, Tom Starling cemented himself as the starter and his form throughout the season earned him an extension that will keep him in the nation's capital until the end of 2027.
Canberra's biggest strength remained their forward pack. Joseph Tapine, Josh Papali'i, Hudson Young and Corey Horsburgh consistently overpowered their opponents, establishing the foundation for their side's identity.
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The Raiders' run to the minor premiership
The Raiders started hot, building a 5-2 record heading into Anzac Round. Their Sunday clash against the Dolphins proved to be the catalyst for their eventual run to the minor premiership.
Heading into half-time, the green machine trailed 28-10. During the break, Stuart delivered an all-time spray.
"The last message at half time was to go and show me what you’ve got then. What’s really underneath the jumper? Because in the first half it was really embarrassing," he told the media in his post-match press conference.
The Raiders rallied in the second-half, scoring 30 unanswered points and stating their case as legitimate premiership threats.
They would go on to win 10 of their next 11 games, catapulting themselves to the top of the competition ladder.
Canberra locked up the minor premiership on home soil against the Tigers in Round 26, a stunning achievement that defied every prediction outside of their four walls.
However, once they made it to the finals, the rigours of the post-season exposed their inexperience on that stage.
A heartbreaking golden-point defeat to the Broncos drained the squad both physically and mentally.
Despite the setback, they dusted themselves off for another home final against the Sharks. Yet, illness sidelined Strange, forcing a reshuffle and leaving Canberra without their most dynamic attacking option.
Cronulla took advantage, winning 32-12 and bouncing Stuart's side out in straight sets. With that, Canberra's season ended earlier than many had hoped, despite the honour of finishing on top of the ladder.
How will the Raiders build for the future?
While disappointing, the campaign was undeniably successful as Stuart developed his next generation of stars.
Their biggest question ahead of the 2026 season is how they will address the halfback position. Fogarty is headed for the exit, where he will join the Manly Sea Eagles.
Highly-touted prospect Ethan Sanders is waiting in the wings, but the Raiders have to account for the fact that their premiership window has arrived earlier than expected.
If the coaching staff in the nation's capital believes Sanders still needs more time to develop before stepping into the role of a franchise halfback, the best alternative may be scouring the open market for a veteran option.
The failure to progress deeper into finals will sting. Yet it's worth remembering the preseason consensus: Canberra weren't meant to be there at all.
Just by having played those two games in September, the Raiders squad will be held in good stead for years to come.