The CFMEU Canberra Raiders welcomed some of their representative stars back to training today at Raiders HQ, with a host of their big names being put through their paces on the training paddock.

Terry Campese, Joel Monaghan, Josh Dugan and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs all returned after an extra few days rest following their Prime Minister’s XIII commitments in September, while Travis Waddell and Daniel Vidot were back after an extended break after the Toyota Cup semi-final series.

For Monaghan it was a chance for him to blow out some of the off-season cobwebs and prepare himself for a big season and he said after the World Cup commitments at the back end of 2008 he felt fresher and more prepared this pre-season.

“We had a good break this year, it was good to get away for a bit and put the feet up but I’m ready to go now and looking forward to getting into training,” Monaghan said. “I think we all know we need to improve from last year, we were to inconsistent and it starts now on the training paddock up until Christmas, then again as we get ready for the trials.”

Monaghan said the side would be more prepared for the season ahead in their second year under Coach David Furner and would look to settle on their best combinations well ahead of the start of the season.

“We need to get our structure better in attack and in defence we need to improve as well as we leaked too many points last year,” he said. “Last year we had a few different people playing in different positions so hopefully we can get everyone fit and settle on positions and work on some combinations.”

Monaghan said the inclusion of several rookies in 2009 was a starting point for the future and said he looked forward to seeing what they could produce after gaining valuable experience last season.

“Out of last year one of the good things to come out of it was the young guys we blooded and in the competition we’re probably the most fortunate team to be in this position and another pre-season will probably see them improve some more,” he said.

Raider’s five-eighth Terry Campese said he also looked forward to striking up some good combinations with the younger players coming through, stabilising the core of the teams attack and he said already there was some healthy competition brewing within the squad.

“I think everyone seems to be better than what they were last year and the young guys are starting in the top squad where last year they came in during the season so everyone will have a full off-season this year and be better for it,” Campese said. “Everyone in key positions is training together and there are challenges for those already as everyone is fighting to get into the top side.

“You can see by the look on everyone’s faces that they’re desperate to make an impact during the pre-season and be there when the first team is named early next year.”