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An outside back is top of Canberra's recruiting wish list after the club conceded its depth out wide has been exposed this season.
The Raiders have sorely missed the experience provided by the departed Adam Mogg and Joel Monaghan.
With winger Daniel Vidot also moving to the Dragons next year, coach David Furner said they would scour the marketplace for a quality centre or winger.
Furner believes an experienced campaigner is needed out wide to provide guidance to a youthful back line led by Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker and Blake Ferguson.
''Our squad needs some experience in those [outside back] positions. What calibre [of player], that's what we need to look at,'' Furner said.
''There's not too much around at the moment, [but] with Vidot leaving there's positions there that need to be bolstered.
''We've lacked that mental toughness that comes with experience and confidence.
''We lost two experienced players and what it did [show is that] we didn't have the depth.''
At this stage of the year, the marketplace is always light on for quality talent.
If the Raiders' search proves fruitless, they will invest faith in the young talent already at their disposal.
Drury Low has spent most of the year at Souths Logan, while there are high hopes for Toyota Cup players Jack Wighton, Sami Sauiluma, Haydon Hodge and Michael Chee Kam.
''I'm not going to pick just anyone up, we want to make sure they're suitable for our team,'' Furner said.
''We've got some players that have been playing for Souths Logan and also some 20s players, but I also think we need a couple of experienced guys there.''
Raiders CEO Don Furner said they would monitor developments at other clubs with interest.
''We're just keeping an eye on a few situations,'' Furner said. ''Sometimes at the end of the year, particularly the clubs in the semi-finals, they have to pay bonuses and sometimes someone gets squeezed out.''
Furner also refuted claims former Raider Justin Morgan had been recruited onto the coaching staff for next season.
Rumours have been circulating the former Hull KR coach had sewn up an assistant role, putting the future of incumbents Quentin Pongia and Andrew McFadden in doubt.
But Furner was adamant no discussions had taken place.
The club is currently undergoing an independent review into its poor season, headed by sports consultant John Waser.
''I've heard Justin Morgan's coming on board, and so was [outgoing Castleford coach] Terry Matterson,'' Furner said. ''Nothing's been done or decided. I haven't spoken to Justin Morgan or Terry Matterson. There's been no changes at all as far as I'm aware.
''As part of our whole review process something might come out of it, I don't know.''
David Furner has challenged the exciting crop of players that won the 2008 Toyota Cup title to lead from the front next year.
''I've spoken to Duges [Dugan], Crokes [Croker] and Joely T [Joel Thompson] that next year's their fourth in the NRL,'' Furner said. ''It's important they step up further again.''
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/new...ts-brittle-back-line/2282117.aspx?storypage=0