Expectations are high for the Canberra Raiders as they head into the 2025 NRL season, says head coach Ricky Stuart.

The Raiders held an open training session at their Braddon headquarters on Friday 17 January, where between 300 to 400 fans gathered.

“We always set high expectations; we work hard and set high standards with our football, and nothing’s changed this year,” Stuart told CD.

The Raiders will open the 2025 season with a clash against the New Zealand Warriors at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on 2 March.

“We’re training really hard and they’re getting into the back end of the pre-season. They’re getting excited about the trials and playing,” Stuart said.

He said it was a pleasure to have the fans mingle with the players at the open training session.

“It’s a big part of our culture here to be humble around our fans and appreciate and respect everything they do for us,” Stuart said.

“The way the players treat our supporters makes you proud.”

Stuart said people who lived in Canberra and the surrounding regions were passionate and loyal supporters.

“They know Matty Nicholson, and they know all our new players and that’s what I love about the people who loyally support the club,” he said.

Kiwis star, and now club captain, Joseph Tapine, said he was excited for the Vegas opener and the season ahead.

“I’m just excited with the young fellas and some of the new players we’ve brought in,” he told CD.

He said the players to look out for this year were Xavier Savage and Ethan Sanders.

Sanders told CD he has enjoyed his time with the Raiders so far.

He joined Canberra from Parramatta at the end of last year, having made his NRL debut for the Eels in round 8 of the 2024 season.

“It’s a good bunch of lads and everyone’s working hard,” Sanders said.

“It’s a really good environment to just slot into, work hard, and try to fight for a position.”

He said seeing so many fans at the open training session was motivating.

Another newbie to the club is Matty Nicholson, who moved to Canberra just two months ago from the United Kingdom.

“It’s pretty surreal,” he told CD.

He joined the Raiders from the Warrington Wolves in the Super League on a three-year deal.

Nicholson made his international debut for England in 2023, scoring a try in his second appearance against France.

The second-rower said he grew up watching NRL games on television.

Nicholson said playing rugby league in Australia had always been in the back of his mind.

He said he was optimistic about the season ahead.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Last year was disappointing but hopefully we can improve on that and make the top eight and hopefully make the finals,” Nicholson said.

After the Vegas trip, the Raiders’ first home game of the season will be against the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday 15 March at GIO Stadium. Canberra will face one of its former coaching staff members, Canberra-born Michael Maguire, who was appointed Broncos coach in October last year.

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