Act of Squad: Raiders predicted team and 2026 overview
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Ricky Stuart is set to put his faith in an emerging halfback as the Raiders look to back up last year's unexpected charge to the minor premiership.
The only question is which youngster Stuart will turn to replace Jamal Fogarty.
The coach has two options, 21-year-old Ethan Sanders and 19-year-old Coby Black, who arrived from Brisbane in December.
Both players are at the start of their careers and will take some time before they fully find their feet in the top flight.
Sanders is likely to get first crack at the No.7 jumper as Black recovers from a neck injury suffered early in the pre-season.
Five-eighth Ethan Strange will partner Sanders in the halves and will take on additional playmaking responsibility after an impressive 2025 season that ended with a place in the Kangaroos Ashes squad.
Ethan Strange has a night to remember
The playmakers will have the luxury of playing behind one of the most dominant packs in the NRL.
Joe Tapine and Josh Papalii will lead the way up front, with Hudson Young, Corey Horsburgh and Morgan Smithies bringing extra firepower.
Papalii is likely entering his final year in the NRL and the Raiders will be looking to send the club stalwart out with a premiership.
- Casualty ward: All the latest injury news
- Comings and Goings: 2026 Signings Tracker
- Witzer Pre-Season Challenge Draw
Best 17
- Kaeo Weekes
- Savelio Tamale
- Matthew Timoko
- Sebastian Kris
- Xavier Savage
- Ethan Strange
- Ethan Sanders
- Corey Horsburgh
- Tom Starling
- Joseph Tapine
- Hudson Young
- Zac Hosking
- Morgan Smithies
- Owen Pattie
- Josh Papalii
- Ata Mariota
- Simi Sasagi
- Which future stars will burst on to the scene during this year's Witzer Pre-Season Challenge? Catch all the action from February 7 live on Kayo and Fox Sports.
