For the first time in 35 years, the Raiders will end the season on top of the ladder, but there have been ‘plenty of narks’ who have raised questions over the strength of their draw.

That’s according to NRL360 host Braith Anasta, who then referenced a graphic which showed that the Raiders have played the least amount of top eight opponents this year out of all the teams that currently sit inside the eight.

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“That happens all the time, people questioning the integrity of the draw,” veteran journalist Phil Rothfield said.

“The Raiders have only had eight games against the top eight sides which is soft-ish, whereas clubs like the Roosters have had 12 games against the top eight sides. Melbourne, Bulldogs and the Broncos have had 11.

“However, no other club went from Las Vegas to Townsville to Auckland to Gold Coast.”

Anasta said the Raiders shouldn’t be marked down for their lack of games against top eight sides, instead pointing to their excellent strike rate against quality opponents in 2025.

“They only had eight, but they won seven of them. Their success rate is well above the others,” Anasta said.

“That’s what I take out of it. They won seven of eight games against top eight sides,” journalist Brent Read added.

“They are legit. When they versed other top eight sides, they put them to the sword and that’s all you can ask.”

GAMES AGAINST TOP EIGHT OPPONENTS (Wins)

Roosters – 12 (5 wins)

Bulldogs – 11 (5 wins)

Broncos – 11 (5 wins)

Storm – 11 (7 wins)

Panthers – 10 (5 wins)

Sharks – 9 (2 wins)

Warriors – 9 (3 wins)

Raiders – 8 (7 wins)

Canberra’s odd draw also didn’t include a bye until Round 15. In fact, some teams had two byes.

That means they had three byes in the final three months of the season, which could give them an edge over some teams in the finals.

“They did not have a bye until the second round of the season. So what Ricky’s done with that side, he’s such an odds on favourite to win coach of the year,” Rothfield said.

“He has to win it,” Anasta said about his former coach.