LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Canberra Raiders have defied expectations in the 2025 NRL season, going from being predicted to be at the bottom of the ladder to potentially being a dark horse in the competition.
Despite many pundits picking them to miss the finals or even finish last, the Raiders showed their potential with a convincing 30-8 win over the New Zealand Warriors in Vegas.
This unexpected victory has sparked discussions about whether the Raiders have what it takes to surprise everyone this season.
The Raiders are known for their gritty defense and strong work ethic, qualities that have been key to their success in the past.
Coach Ricky Stuart has built a team that is willing to put in the hard yards and support each other on the field.
In their match against the Warriors, every player in a lime green jersey showed their commitment by offloading the ball and chasing down kicks.
This teamwork was evident in the 17 offloads the Raiders made throughout the game, demonstrating a strong trust and camaraderie among the players.
Stuart praised his team for their dedication during the offseason and their unity on the field, highlighting their commitment to each other as a key factor in their success.
While it is still early in the season and anything can happen, the Raiders' performance against the Warriors has raised the question of whether they could be a dark horse in 2025.
As they continue to work hard and support each other, the potential for the Raiders to surprise everyone and make a run for the top four is becoming more plausible with each impressive performance.
Time will tell if the Raiders can maintain their momentum and prove the doubters wrong by exceeding expectations this season.