The 2008 NRL season is over for the Canberra Raiders and the St. George/Illawara Dragons, after both sides lost in the first round of the finals. Both teams will be extremely pleased with the way their season went, though - especially the Raiders, who were expected to win the wooden spoon.

As promised, here's a review of their season:

St. George/Illlawara Dragons (8th): The Dragons got off to a terrible start, and it looked like it was going to be another long season. However, after it was announced that Wayne Bennnett was going to be coaching the Dragons in 2009, things started to turn around - and the wins began to stack up. The high profile signing of Wendell Sailor was a massive boost for the club, as was the return to form of Jason Ryles, who had been struggling for the past couple of seasons.

They are losing some quality players like Gasnier and Ryles, but they have also recruited well, and should be able to build on their 2008 season. The loss of Mark Gasnier is massive, but things are certainly looking up for the Dragons in 2009.

2009 Gains: Michael Weyman (Raiders), Jeremy Smith (Storm), Luke Priddis (Panthers), Neville Costigan (Raiders), Darius Boyd (Broncos), Matt Head (Tigers)
2009 Losses: Mark Gasnier (French Rugby), Jason Ryles (Les Catalans), Simon Woolford (midseason, retirement), Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Lagi Setu (Broncos), Rangi Chase (Castleford), Ben Rodgers (Knights), Kirk Reynoldson (retirement)


Canberra Raiders (7th): What a season for the boys from the capital. Everyone was picking the Raiders to take the wooden spoon, but they have shown that they are a team on the rise. They have unearthed some good young talent, and will only get better over the next few years. While they are losing their coach, Neil Henry, they are gaining former Raider David Furner, who will be looking to return the Raiders to the glory days of the 1990's.

The season wasn't without it's controversy, with Todd Carney getting sacked for numerous alcohol related problems - but they maintained their composure to cruise into the playoffs. They'll need to work on their defence in 2009, and if they can, they'll be poised to go even further.

It's just great to see the green machine getting back to the top.

2009 Gains: Stuart Flanagan (Tigers), David Shillington (Roosters)
2009 Losses: William Zillman (Titans), Michael Dobson (midseason, Hull), Michael Weyman (Dragons), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Storm), Colin Best (Rabbitohs), Marshall Chalk (Celtic Crusaders - new Super League team), Todd Carney (midseason, sacked/Wigan), Neville Costigan (Dragons), Lincoln Withers (Celtic Crusaders)

Stay tuned for more team reviews, as the remaining teams drop out of the last six.