Scott Pryde says Canberra should target experienced forwards when the player market opens on November 1, warning that the Raiders have major work ahead on their squad.
The club has lost Jayden Brailey to Wests Tigers, Corey Horsburgh and Morgan Smithies to Perth Bears, and Josh Papalii to retirement.
Canberra has brought in props Lipoi Hopoi from Canterbury and Jiayden Hunt from Brisbane, but the pair are not expected to make a major difference in 2027.
"You can't replace Horsburgh, Papalii, Smithies and Brailey with two fringe guys and a couple of young guys. It's just not going to happen," Pryde said on the NRL Contract Show.
He said few suitable players remain available for 2027, making November 1 a key date for recruiting middle forwards and a long-term pack leader.
Pryde also highlighted uncertainty over Joe Tapine, who has a player option for 2028. He expects Tapine to take it and retire after that season, but said there is no guarantee.
Hudson Young's value is another concern: Pryde questioned whether he is worth $1.1 million, noting that such a salary could limit Canberra's spending on middle forwards.