The Canberra Raiders exceeded expectations in 2019, finishing fourth on the ladder and making it all the way through to the NRL Grand Final.

Expectations are now very high for the Raiders in 2020 and understandably so, but are the Raiders able to reach the same heights as 2019 or will we see a drop in form for the Green Machine?

Canberra have dealt with this scenario in recent years and Raiders fans will know all too well that history is not on their side when backing up after a solid season.

The Raiders have not made back to back finals series’ for going on 16 years, with the most recent example of this coming in 2017 when the team finished 10th after finishing in 2016.

There are also questions over how well new signing George Williams and Jack Wighton will gel. Traditionally a side with two ball running halves does not work out, can these two buck the trend?

The countdown continues!

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— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) February 21, 2020

We also have to take into account that sides such as the Eels and Rabbitohs have significantly improved their rosters during the offseason, with a fully fit Sea Eagles outfit a certain contender and the Roosters and Storm maintaining a star studded and well coached side.

This means the Raiders will have to fight it out with at least five other high quality outfits if they want a shot at winning the premiership.

Ricky Stuart’s men are certainly heading into 2020 hungry to go one step further and they have a solid lineup, however it may be harder then it seems.