Have to disagree with you S73, elliot is a myth IMO and will be found out big time this year with there being a hell of a lot more expectations on him than while he was at Canberra.
I find it hilarious people saying what a miracle job he did with no cattle, and in the same breath bemoan Canberra's chances this year because of all the great players they lost. Which is it?
At Canberra he couldn't lose, if they won the spoon every year he could say "we did the best we could, we just don't have the players" if they were reasonably successfull all of a sudden he's a genius. They made the 8 last year on the back of some hard working forwards, some solid backs and some great playmakers in Smith and Schifcoske.
They have lost a few but have some great kids coming through and are always tough to beat down in Canberra especially on a Friday/Saterday night.
Personally I predict the raiders to finish ahead of the Pennies this year, who as you pointed out will struggle without Preston.