Every NRL Club's Predicted Round 1 Team for 2027: Canberra Raiders

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The Canberra Raiders will look to build a competitive side for the 2027 NRL season, with several young players pushing for bigger roles and some important changes to the forward pack.

My predicted Round 1 team features a new-look starting forward rotation, with Ata Mariota leading the way alongside Joe Tapine, while Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders continue their combination in the halves.

There are some interesting selection calls, particularly in the outside backs and the middle forwards, but this is how I see Ricky Stuart lining up the Green Machine for Round 1.

Canberra Raiders Predicted Round 1 Team for 2027

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Key selection calls

Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders to lead the spine

The Raiders' halves combination will be crucial to their chances in 2027. Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders have the opportunity to continue developing their partnership, with Sanders providing the kicking game and Strange offering creativity and attacking threats.

Coby Black is also included in my extended squad, giving Canberra another option in the halves if he continues to develop.

A reshaped forward pack

Joe Tapine remains a key figure through the middle, with Ata Mariota tipped to take on a starting role. Hudson Young brings aggression and attacking ability on an edge, while Noah Martin and Matty Nicholson are my picks to complete the starting forward pack.

With Zac Hosking, Myles Martin and Joe Roddy on the interchange, the Raiders would have a mix of work rate, mobility and impact coming off the bench.

Owen Pattie to provide the spark at hooker

Pattie is my pick to start on the interchange, with Tom Starling named at hooker. Pattie's inclusion gives Canberra another option around the ruck and adds depth to the team's dummy-half rotation.

Can Canberra make a push in 2027?

There is plenty of young talent in this Raiders squad, but the side will need consistency across the season to challenge the competition's strongest teams.

The development of Strange and Sanders will be particularly important, while the forward pack will need to provide a strong platform for the outside backs.

Canberra went from minor premiers to missing out on finals footy by a significant margin. I think they will find themselves in a similar place next season, this time just missing the top 8.

Visit: https://football-central.com/nrl-2027-lineups