Canberra stunned just about everyone in the NRL world as they gained momentum early in 2025 and romped their way to the minor premiership.
The Raiders played some exciting and attacking footy under Ricky Stuart and frequently pulled off late comebacks to become a must-watch side.
After losing main playmaker Jamal Fogarty and having the weight of expectation now piled on top of them, can the Green Machine continue to defy the doubters?
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Canberra Raiders predicted team list for Round 1
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savielo Tamale
3. Matt Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Matty Nicholson
17. Morgan Smithies
Raiders latest team news ahead of Round 1
Kaeo Weekes made the fullback spot his own in 2025 and was rewarded with a long-term contract that will see him be Canberra's No.1 for years to come. Chevy Stewart will serve as his deputy.
Savielo Tamale also impressed during his first season in the nation's capital before a serious knee injury curtailed his campaign.
The young gun will face competition from Jed Stuart, but should get the nod, while Xavier Savage will have recovered from a shoulder injury to take his place on the opposite flank.
Matt Timoko and Seb Kris established themselves as the first choice centre pairing in Canberra and will take their places in the backline.
Jamal Fogarty is a major loss for the Raiders after he helped to steer them to the minor premiership at halfback.
Ethan Sanders was brought from Parramatta last year and could now be thurst into the spotlight alongside star five-eighth Ethan Strange.
Josh Papalii looked to be set to exit before a remarkable change of heart saw him ink yet another extension. He will start up front alongside inspirational leader Joe Tapine.
Tom Starling enjoyed a career-best year in 2025 and will start in the No.9 jersey.
Owen Pattie provided support off the bench for Starling, although the emerging hooker will face a challenge from Jayden Brailey, who has arrived from Newcastle. Fellow veteran Danny Levi has moved on.
Hudson Young will line up on an edge, while Zac Hosking and Matty Nicholson will fight it out for the other vacant spot.
Corey Horsburgh will get the nod at lock after saving his career in Canberra with some stellar displays.
Simi Sasagi and Morgan Smithies will be favourites to claim places on the bench, although competition will be fierce with Ata Mariota also in the frame for selection.
On ther fringes of the squad, Trey Mooney and Pasami Saulo have left the club, while the likes of Joe Roddy, Jake Clydsdale and Noah Martin have been elevated into the top 30 squad from development deals.