The Raiders have managed to secure only one victory in their first four games, placing them in 15th position on the NRL ladder.

Canberra’s coach, Ricky Stuart, remains optimistic about the team’s ability to improve their season’s trajectory.

The Raiders are set to compete against the Knights in Newcastle this Sunday.

Despite a challenging start to the NRL season, Stuart emphasizes that the Raiders are not in a state of alarm.

Having previously clinched the minor premiership last year, the team’s current record stands at 1-3.

Offensively, the Raiders have encountered difficulties this season, averaging only 16.8 points per game, a notable decline from last year’s average of 26.7 points.

With their sole victory achieved through a golden-point field goal from Ethan Sanders in a thrilling 29-28 match against Manly in the opening round, the Raiders find themselves at the bottom of the standings.

Stuart, however, maintains that the squad’s morale remains intact. “I’ve experienced worse situations than this,” he remarked. “We will overcome this challenge, as they are a resilient group. The outside concern seems to be greater than the worry within the team.” He added, “It’s only round five, and this won’t be the last tough stretch we face this season.”

The Raiders are now turning their focus to their upcoming match against the fifth-placed Knights, where they anticipate a packed stadium in Newcastle.

In a significant boost for the team, captain Josh Papali’i will be returning from suspension. “He plays a crucial role in the squad,” Stuart noted. “His experience is invaluable, especially during challenging times like these.”