HOW THE RAIDERS SHAPE UP
Fullback – Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Age: 24
NRL games: 32
Arguably the find of the season. Repaid the Raiders’ faith 10-fold since being released from the Warriors at the start of 2019. Kick-return metres king and in-goal escape artist.
Winger – Nick Cotric
Age: 20
NRL games: 69
Has overcome a badly broken nose to extend the impressive form that earned the young speedster a NSW Origin debut this year.
Centre – Jarrod Croker (co-captain)
Age: 29
NRL games: 256
The Raiders’ Mr Reliable. Leads by example, rock solid defender and kicks goals too. Somehow has still not earned NSW Origin selection but premiership ring will no doubt make up for that.
Centre – Joseph Leilua
Age: 27
NRL games: 203
Canberra X-factor is expected to overcome a calf injury and return to his rampaging best in decider. The only Raider with grand final experience, albeit with the Roosters.
Winger – Jordan Rapana
Age: 30
NRL games: 117
The tackle-busting Kiwi can create something from nothing as one half of his formidable combination with Leilua, affectionately dubbed Leipana.
Five-eighth – Jack Wighton
Age: 26
NRL games: 155
Former fullback who has adapted superbly to the halves. Is ready to cap a redemption story with a title less than a year after copping a suspended jail sentence for an alcohol-fuelled assault.
Halfback – Aidan Sezer
Age: 28
NRL games: 154
Overcame injury setback and halfback rival Sam Williams to finally earn back No.7 jersey. Out to impress before England half George Williams’ 2020 arrival in nation’s capital.
Prop – Josh Papalii
Age: 27
NRL games: 196
The Queensland Origin wrecking ball is considered the NRL’s premier prop. Must repeat his bulldozing display that inspired preliminary final win if Raiders are any chance against Roosters.
Hooker – Josh Hodgson (co-captain)
Age: 29
NRL games: 107
The scheming Englishman is Canberra’s danger man after overcoming a head knock. Whether it is with a kick, a deft pass or a one on one strip, Hodgson can turn a match on its ear.
Prop – Iosia Soliola
Age: 33
NRL games: 199
Former Rooster will be fired up against his ex-club in his 200th game and remarkably the first grand final of his 15 year career.
Second-row – John Bateman
Age: 26
NRL games: 22
Former Wigan centre has made up for lack of size with attitude and energy to emerge as one of the premier back-rowers in a stunning NRL debut season.
Second-row – Elliott Whitehead
Age: 30
NRL games: 100
A fan favourite and another member of Canberra’s influential four-strong English contingent. Out to impress in first career grand final since making debut back in Bradford in 2009.
Lock – Joseph Tapine
Age: 25
NRL games: 99
After overcoming a rib injury, the Kiwi forward won’t take a backward step as evidenced when he squared off with Melbourne giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona a month ago.
Interchange:
Bailey Simonsson – Former New Zealand rugby sevens flyer has come a long way since first lobbing on a train and trial deal last year.
Emre Guler – Uncompromising forward who has performed well to leapfrog Englishman Ryan Sutton for a bench role.
Corey Horsburgh – Hard running red head from Queensland who has relished his NRL chance in debut senior season.
Dunamis Lui – Another vital cog in the Raiders engine room who has swapped with starting prop Papalii in the finals.
