BY DAN

If the Canberra Raiders mostly positive performances in the trial games haven’t turned them from rebuilding into built, they’ve at least answered most of the questions we had in the pre-season. From the midst that was a host of questions across the roster, clarity has emerged at almost every position.

If Ethan Strange didn’t book himself a ticket to Newy then it’s only down to Stuart’s trademark conservatism. He was very good in the first trial, even better in the second. Strange being named would also remove any obstacles to James Schiller starting the first week in Seb Kris’ place at left centre. It would quite an achievement for Schiller to have come so far in the position. It may also be a recognition of the Milk’s lack of depth. Little from column A, little from column B.

Xavier Savage and Nic Cotric seemed to confirm themselves as the round one starters on the wings. Savage has been very good so far this pre-season and it’s just a little bit exciting that he might be reaching something approaching his potential. Cotric’s urgency has increased so far this off-season; perhaps a recognition of both his contract situation and his position in the depth chart.

In the pack Taps and Papa will be joined by Morgan Smithies. I think Ata Mariota did enough to get a spot too, and I think Zac Hosking is going to rotate from the bench to the edge and bring Elliott Whitehead into the middle rotation. I’m curious as to whom out of Emre Guler, Pasami Saulo and Trey Mooney gets the last spot. My bet is Guler but Saulo has been a revelation this pre-season, running with power and defending like he’s trying to get stolen keys out of a toddler’s pockets. Whoever gets it will have a hard time holding it when Corey Horsburgh comes back in round three.

But questions do remain. When do we see Chevy Stewart is a fair question. While we’re as high as any on Chevy Stewart, it seems almost certain he won’t be a round one starter. His performance in the first trial was solid. In the second trial he only played with the second stringers, and had a more patchier effort. It’s nothing to be worried about but it practically confirmed reports from last week that Jordan Rapana would be given the number one jersey for the early part of the season. Stewart will be given time, and perhaps take over later in the year.

How Trey Mooney is involved is another question. If he misses out on a middle spot as above, it does start to make one wonder where he fits this season, and in the club’s long-term plans. You can have a view either way that i’ll respect but he’s off contract at the end season, came to the club highly touted and has spent most of his career watching first grade play. If he doesn’t feel there’s a clear pathway to first grade he could get itchy feet. I wouldn’t blame him. But that doesn’t mean the club can give him a spot if they don’t think he deserves it.

The other remaining question is which two of the three hookers Sticky rolls with early. I assume Danny Levi is one of them. I’d never be mistaken for Levi’s number one fan but the club does seem to rank him highly. I hope Zac Woolford is in the first 17 with him. He remains the club’s best manipulator of the ruck, and when you’re playing the bash-and-barge game the club so often employs that becomes a necessity.

The only other question relates to their playing style. There were moments of flourish in the trial games but not particularly cohesive, connected or structured footy. The club has relied on chaos and opportunism in recent years to manufacture points. It’s had moments. I had hoped this off-season might see something more structured emerge. It hasn’t so far. That’s not to say it can’t. These things take time, and with new players at multiple positions in the spine and elsewhere patience will be needed as the blind feel their way.

We’re only a week away from team-list Tuesday. We’ll find out soon enough.

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