ANALYSIS: Cronulla are betting their NRL rise on Nicho Hynes
Yardage from the back five has been an important part of any successful team for years now, but with the rule changes made to the game in the past two seasons, it's now become mandatory.
That changed in the final stages of the season, when Matt Timoko and Harley Smith-Shields began playing regularly. The Raiders finished seventh in the league in terms of average metres from their back five, with 652.3 metres per game. The idea of three or four serious carries to create momentum then playing off the back of what's on offer from the retreating defence feels like a good fit for the Raiders, especially given Jack Wighton operates best when doesn't have to worry about fitting into a pattern.
That leaves one centre spot for Smith-Shields and Timoko to fight over, possibly a second if Croker is medically retired at some stage. Another exciting rookie, Xavier Savage, is waiting in the wings, meaning the Raiders will be spoiled for choice out wide. Keeping Josh Hodgson for one last season also shapes as a shrewd move – Canberra looked their best in 2021 when he and Tom Starling were both on the field at the same time.
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