LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
After the heartbreak of their golden point final loss to the Knights, the Raiders have spent the off-season reflecting on what could have been.
It's worth noting that just making it to the finals was an accomplishment for a team that struggled to score tries, only surpassing the bottom-ranked Bulldogs and Wests Tigers in that category.
However, they have also had to say goodbye to some of their most experienced players, including fan favorite Jarrod Croker and the talented Jack Wighton.
These departures have left the Raiders relying on their established performers as they enter their 11th season under Ricky Stuart.
The club has managed to secure the promising talent of Morgan Smithies, an English forward from Wigan Warriors, though the majority of their hopes rest on their existing squad.
With Corey Horsburgh and Sebastian Kris serving suspensions in Round 1, the door is open for some fresh faces to leave their mark early in the season.
Players like Smithies, who has primarily played at lock, will have an opportunity to shine.
The Raiders also have a range of options at fullback, including the speedy Xavier Savage and the eager youngster Chevy Stewart.