The Canberra Raiders enter the 2026 NRL season with belief that their window is opening — but belief alone won’t be enough. To push beyond inconsistency and challenge the competition’s elite, improvement must come from within, particularly from players already carrying major responsibility.
While the Raiders boast a competitive squad, several key figures now face defining seasons. Whether through leadership, consistency, or execution, these players must lift if Canberra is to turn promise into genuine contention.
Here are three Canberra Raiders players who must improve in 2026.
Jamal Fogarty: From Organiser to Authority
As the Raiders’ chief playmaker, Jamal Fogarty sits at the centre of Canberra’s attacking identity. His kicking game and composure have been assets, but too often the side has struggled to control tempo in tight matches.
In 2026, Fogarty must take greater ownership of games. That means sharper decision-making under pressure, more assertive direction in good-ball sets, and a consistent ability to close matches when momentum is on the line. For Canberra to evolve, their halfback must not just guide — he must command.
Hudson Young: Harnessing Impact Into Consistency
Few players bring the physical edge and competitive fire of Hudson Young. At his best, he sets the emotional tone for the Raiders, combining aggression with powerful running and defensive presence.
However, inconsistency and discipline have limited his influence at times. In 2026, Young’s challenge is refinement. Canberra need him to deliver controlled aggression across 80 minutes, every week. If he can channel his intensity with greater composure, he has the potential to become one of the competition’s most damaging edge forwards.
Sebastian Kris: Cementing His Place
Sebastian Kris has shown flashes of why the Raiders view him as a long-term backline option, but 2026 looms as a critical season in his development. With competition for centre spots increasing, reliability will be non-negotiable.
Defensive reads, communication, and involvement across games will define his season. Canberra don’t need brilliance in moments — they need trust in execution. If Kris can deliver consistency, he can lock down a vital role in the Raiders’ structure.
Why 2026 Matters for Canberra
The Raiders are not far off, but the gap between competitiveness and contention is unforgiving. Improvement in 2026 won’t come from wholesale change — it will come from accountability, growth, and players stepping into authority within their roles.
For Fogarty, Young, and Kris, the message is clear: potential must now translate into production. The Raiders’ trajectory depends on it.
