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Corey Parker's blunt message for Raiders fans ahead of Vegas clash with Warriors
Charles Goodsir • February 26th, 2025 2:28 pm
SEN’s Corey Parker is concerned over the Canberra Raiders’ depth this season and believes it will be a leading factor in another underwhelming season.
The Raiders finished ninth in 2024 with 12 wins and only missed out on finals due to their shocking points differential. Canberra were outscored by 127 points during the regular season; the fifth worst in the competition.
Parker admires Canberra’s ability to punch above their weight but can’t see a consistently competitive Raiders outfit across 27 rounds.
“Their depth is going to be challenged throughout the season,” Parker said on SENQ.
“How will they respond to that challenge? They are going to have injuries and fingers crossed for Raiders fans that they don’t have any in the long-term.
“If they have any long-term injuries to any of their star players, you’ll find that they’ll be scrapping hard (for wins).
“Coach Ricky Stuart does a great job because their DNA is that they toil hard, use that mentality of no one giving them a chance.
“I never played under Ricky and I would’ve loved to have played under him because he goes in to bat for his players.
“However, Elliot Whitehead is now no longer part of the team. He was able to rally that team and epitomised what the Raiders were all about.
“They may start to hit a flat spot and a bit of a wall. For me, the Raiders can well and truly go back into the eight but they need a few things to go their way.
“They need to win the games they are expected to. That is a non-negotiable.
“Canberra fans always say I have nothing nice to say about the club. You have to call it how you see it.
“Are they going to win the comp? No they’re not. That’s the reality. They don’t have a team to win the comp.
“Can they play finals? Absolutely they can.”
The Raiders open the season in Las Vegas when they take on the Warriors on March 2 at Allegiant Stadium.
