SEN’s Denan Kemp believes the Canberra Raiders must sign an X-factor player if they are to compete for a premiership in future seasons.
The Raiders qualified for finals in eighth spot for the second straight season but weren’t able to replicate their 2022 heroics and bowed out in the opening week of finals.
Kemp praised the Raiders coaching staff and players for maximising the potential of a weak roster but believes Canberra are severely lacking a spark which would elevate them as a top-four team.
“Considering their roster, they had a solid year,” Kemp said on SEN 1170.
“I do think Ricky Stuart is going to have to take a big risk on a spine player.
“Whether it’s a six or a one, he is going to have to pay overs for the best young gun coming through or overs for a current standing (player).
“I don’t think you are going to get a current superstar to go there.
“Imagine if Kalyn Ponga was playing for the Raiders the other day? They would’ve won by 13 points plus.
“You have to go to a 17-year-old guy coming out of school and take a punt.”
Dally M and Clive Churchill medallist Jack Wighton will leave the club for South Sydney whilst five-eighth Matt Frawley will depart for the Super League and join Leeds.