Raiders fans expressed concerns over a lack of backline firepower at their club heading into the start of season 2021.
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They need not have worried.
With star finisher Nick Cotric departed for the Canterbury Bulldogs, and co-captain Jarrod Croker sidelined for two rounds following shoulder surgery, fans were bothered by what they perceived to be a shortage of class and experience outside halves George Williams and Jack Wighton.
But it hasn't been a problem in the first two rounds.
Sebastian Kris deputised brilliantly for Croker at left centre after sitting out the entirety of 2020.
And with New Zealand international Bailey Simonsson fit again after missing most of last year with a shoulder problem, coach Ricky Stuart has been able to remould his post-Cotric backline.
Simonsson has slotted straight back onto the right wing with aplomb, while Jordan Rapana is back where he belongs on the left wing after finishing last season in more unfamiliar territory in the centres.
Two tries in the opening-round win over the Wests Tigers suggested he had returned to the peak of his powers.
"It's the first time I've had a decent preseason in four years," Rapana said.
"It makes a difference when you come back and you're doing your training and you put in in your preseason, you're fit and healthy, and it shows on the field for sure."
On the other side of the field, Curtis Scott is reaping the rewards of a complete physical and mental reset.
Off-season surgery to repair a broken fibula coupled with the resolution of the unfair charges levelled at him by NSW police have effectively given Stuart a brand new player at right centre.
Preseason concerns over backline depth have turned into excitement over the riches Stuart seemingly has available at his disposal.
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The club's 2020 rookie of the year Semi Valemei is now playing NSW Cup alongside the likes of Matt Timoko and Harley Smith-Shields who also have NRL experience.
"It's massive for the club, and for Ricky to know that he's got those players that he can rely on," Rapana said.
"Touch wood no one does, but if someone does go down there's just as good as a replacement there.
"Last year was massive for that depth as well, and those young boys getting a run. [It] was rat shit because we had a lot of injuries but the club was able to blood new players, and because of that we know what those players are capable of.
"Now we know that those players are able to play first grade and they're at first grade standard, so if something does happen we've got full faith that they can do a job for us."
Canberra's entire NSW Cup backline which will play Mounties at Canberra Stadium on Saturday boasts NRL experience.
Fullback Caleb Aekins has represented Penrith 12 times, while Albert Hopoate played five matches for Manly before joining the club.
Meanwhile, halves Matt Frawley and Sam Williams have a whopping 127 matches of NRL experience between them.
Williams captained the Raiders' NRL team in their final-round win over Cronulla last season - a side which included eight players featuring in the NSW Cup this weekend.