2025 has been Ethan Strange’s strongest year with the Canberra Raiders, from a hat-trick against Manly to being the side’s leading try scorer for the season.

But, for the five-eighth, he can’t think of any specific highlights… yet.

“Obviously it’s such a fast season and we’re going week by week, so I haven’t really had much time to reflect on what’s going on,” he told CD.

“It’s always just chasing the next game, but at the end of the season it might be cool to look back at a few highlights.”

When asked again ‘You don’t have any highlights at this stage at all?’ he laughed and said, “No, I wouldn’t mind getting a few more, maybe this weekend.”

It comes after a heartbreaking 29-28 loss to the Brisbane Broncos at GIO Stadium this past Sunday during week one of the finals series.

The bunker twice denied the Raiders a win, with many fans, and even Ricky Stuart, celebrating as time expired.

But looking towards the upcoming match against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on Saturday on home soil, Strange said while it always hurts to lose, the team has also been on the other side throughout the year.

“I think we’re just focusing on just being around each other’s company and getting excited for the game and we’re gonna take it head on. So, we’re looking forward to it,” he told CD.

Strange said there were no specific players the Raiders had to “make plans for” in the Sharks.

“They’re good across the whole park, so it’s hard to just pick out a few certain players for them. They’ve got a lot of great players, so we’re just ready for them in all areas,” he said.

Strange joined the Raiders in 2023, which saw him play only one match at the top level that year. This was followed by 21 games in 2024.

In 2025, he has played 24 matches, missing only one when rested in Round 27. He is the club’s leading try-scorer with 14 and has added five goals, converting at 100 per cent. Strange has also contributed 12 try assists and 8 line break assists and made 416 tackles with an efficiency rate of 87.4 per cent.

He is also not far off reaching 50 matches for the Raiders. He currently sits at 46.

Strange scored a hat-trick in Canberra’s 28-12 victory against the Sea Eagles at GIO Stadium on 8 August, which included an epic flick-pass from Jed Stuart.

And it was during the “Miracle in Mudgee” that Strange worked alongside rising star Kaeo Weekes to seal the deal in a 20-16 win over Penrith on 22 August after Nathan Cleary hit the post during a field goal attempt.

“I love playing with those boys. I think the connection that we’ve all got off the field, we all get along really well, it definitely carries on over to the field,” Strange said.

“So, I think having fun and enjoying yourself, I feel that carries on the field.”