Josh Papalii and Edrick Lee on the running track at Stromlo Forest Park. Credit:Graham Tidy A change in the NRL's interchange rules from 12 to 10 per game will result in the front-rowers punching out extra minutes. Raiders players who missed their fitness targets have been training at Stromlo once a week for the two weeks before the rest of the squad returned. They will continue there once a week for their first training block, which culminates in a week-long training camp at Bateman's Bay starting on Monday. "As a squad, we're pretty much at the level we need to be, but the goal is raising individuals to the level," Ashley-Jones said. "With the interchange rule changing, we want to take it another step forward.

Blake Austin, Shaun Fensom and Jarrod Croker go through their paces. Credit:Graham Tidy "We're spending a little bit more time on developing that max aerobic speed base, probably another week or two, than we have in previous years. "We just think the interchange rule will be a subtle change and the more prepared we are for that, the better. Raiders five-eighth Blake Austin finishes his run. Credit:Graham Tidy "This cycle is making sure our resilience is right."

The Raiders are aiming to reach the finals for the first time since 2012. Raiders forwards Jarrad Kennedy (left) and Paul Vaughan take a breather. Credit:Graham Tidy They have been buoyed by re-signing several of their key young stars, including Jack Wighton, Blake Austin and Shannon Boyd. All three have signed contract extensions until the end of 2017, while Gold Coast Titans recruit Aidan Sezer is also with the club for the next three years. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been delighted with the attitude of the players in keeping themselves in good shape during the off-season.

Ashley-Jones said putting in the hard work now would pay off down the road when the Raiders were battling fatigue late in games. "The best way to improve endurance capacity is by exposing yourself to the heat, so training in the middle of the day is perfect for us," Ashley-Jones said. "Our philosophy doesn't change, but every year we will tweak some methods. "It's an amazing facility at Stromlo with the manicured track and one we love using." The Raiders will have their first test at next year's Auckland Nines from February 6-7. Stuart's men have been drawn alongside the St George Illawarra Dragons, Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans, with the top two going through to the quarter finals.

Loading The Raiders have been eliminated in the group stages in the previous two editions of the tournament. Meanwhile, the Raiders will face the Newcastle Knights in a pre-season trial match at Wade Park in Orange on February 20.