NRL - Canberra Raider 2017 Season Review

Canberra Raiders Season Review
 
The Raiders entered 2017 as one of the popular picks to win the Premiership after a brilliant 2016 season. Having lost to the Storm by just 2 points in the Preliminary Final, many expected a settled Raiders’ team to continue on the huge momentum they built off the back of winning their last 10 regular season games in 2016. However, the season would prove one of frustration and disappointment, as the Raiders became one of the flops of the season, missing the finals altogether. 
 
Season Finish - 10th, (11 Wins, 13 Losses, 558 Points Scored, 497 Points Conceded)
 
Season Rating 2/10 - It might seem tough to give a team that finished outside the Bottom 6 teams a rating of 2/10, but the Raiders came into the season as one of the rightful Premiership favourites. However, they never really lived up to the hype with a number of close losses resulting from poor game management and poor discipline in games. The Raiders can (can’t?) blame bad luck with the roster they had. I thought their forwards underperformed for most of the season, and the players in their spine, outside of Hodgson, never raised their games or took ownership of the close games. The team, at very worst, should have scraped into the Top 8, and to miss the finals was probably the biggest shock of any team this season. 
 
Coach Rating (Ricky Stuart) 5/10 - I think Ricky, overall, has done a great job at the Raiders, and I don’t think this year will stop the hierarchy having faith in him. I think it’s up to the playmakers to step up under pressure and deliver, or I’m sure Ricky might be on the market for a half or two in the next couple of years. The Salary Cap has started to bite a bit, however, so Ricky might need to get a bit more out of some of last year’s players if they want to get back to where they were, just 2 points away from the Grand Final in 2016. 
 
Best Win - (Round 22 - Cronulla Sharks 12 Canberra Raiders 30 @ Shark Park) This was clearly the Raiders’ best win of the season, over a strong side in a hostile environment. Fast, powerful and physical, this was meant to the blueprint on which Canberra could build a Premiership challenge. Sadly, these performances were few and far between. 
 
Worst Loss - (Penrith Panthers 24 Canberra Raiders 20 @ Carrington Park) I choose this game as it is unforgivable to give up an 8-point lead with just 2 minutes to go. However, that is exactly what they did here against a rival for a Top 8 spot. Whilst this was the Raiders most dramatic loss of the year, they suffered many close defeats as they failed to have the mental toughness or game management to close out much needed victories. It cost them dearly in the end. 
 
Best Player - Elliott Whitehead - Whilst many of the Raiders’ biggest names flopped in 2017, I thought the big Englishman was outstanding for the majority of the season. He filled in to a number of positions, and maintained a high quality work rate and a strong defensive technique. He was by far the Raiders most consistent player this season.
 
Most Disappointing Player - Blake Austin - The enigmatic five eight had been a popular wildcard for an Origin berth over the past couple of years, however he was ordinary for much of 2017. Austin’s running game remained dangerous, however his general passing and kicking game was far too inconsistent for a player of his talent. Combined with Aidan Sezer, they failed to take control in clutch moments, and will be under pressure to produce much better football or be moved on in 2018. 
 
2018 Prospects (Top 8 Likely) - I think this team learnt a lot from this year’s near misses and will make the necessary adjustments next season. I still have some doubts over whether their halves and their fullback will be good enough in big games; however the roster clearly has Top 8 talent all over it. It is not a young side anymore and I think Ricky Stuart will have to crack the whip over the pre-season. Whilst you wouldn't back them with confidence after what they produced last year, I think this side has the talent to not only get back into the Top 8, but potentially the Top 4.