But you don't have to be Einstein to work out the biggest cleanout in Canberra Raiders history, currently underway, was necessary if the club is to climb out of the cellar.

He only left the Canberra Raiders for a year, but halfback Sam Williams, back in the fold against Manly on Saturday, may have needed name tags when introduced to teammates over summer.

The team that will turn out against Manly in Albury on Saturday is barely recognisable to the 17 that fronted for Williams' final match of his first Raiders stint - round 26, 2013.

Only Williams, Josh Papalii, Jarrod Croker, Paul Vaughan and Dane Tilse played in that 38-18 loss to Cronulla, and Hull KR-bound Tilse is gone in three weeks.

That same year, NSW State of Origin players Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan plus coach David Furner were sacked, and Sandor Earl rubbed out by a drugs ban.

What's unfolded since is arguably the biggest cleanout in Raiders history, which was needed after the Raiders fell from finals contention in 2013 by losing their last six matches.

With three weeks left in the season, coach Dave Furner was sacked and Stuart prised away from Parramatta to oversee the rebuild.

Sentimentality and reputations haven't clouded Stuart's mind as he's put a broom through the place.

Former skipper Terry Campese was tapped on the shoulder and has found his feet in England, long-time halves partner Josh McCrone was dropped to Mounties last week and evergreen props Tilse, Brett White and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs moved on.

Queensland and Australia representative David Shillington, one of the club's highest-paid players, is off contract and unlikely to be in Canberra next year after being overlooked for the opening rounds.

"We all go 'wow' about that roster they've got and it's not from a jealousy point of view, that's what I have to aspire to," Stuart said after last week's 34-6 loss to Sydney Roosters.

"We've got goals in regards to having a team that can compete for the top four. If we don't have those goals I'm wasting my time, the club's time, and the boys'."

For years the Raiders seemed content to squeak into the finals every second year, usually after a late-season surge, and be content with their lot.

But the fact remains Canberra is the only NRL team that has failed to make a preliminary final since its last premiership in 1994.

Tilse is on the verge of 200 games for the club and the Raiders haven't made the top four his entire career.

It's rock solid proof the playing roster required a significant overhaul.

Without some of the senior players who have left, it may be tougher for Canberra to hold the Green Machine together without some short-term pain.

But what's better? A few more years of settling for mid-table or worse irrelevancy, or starting from scratch in an attempt to be a contender again?

Since Stuart arrived last year, young players such as Jeremy Hawkins, Shannon Boyd, Mitch Cornish, Luke Bateman and Brenko Lee have been blooded.

This at least gives Raiders fans encouragement, some hope they'll develop into stars capable of turning their fortunes around. Trotting out the same team as players get longer in the tooth does anything but.

The loss of Dugan, Ferguson and then Anthony Milford last year has set the revamp back significantly.

Not only are they class performers, but players capable of attracting other big names to the club.

Chances at winning premierships are fleeting and most established players are reluctant to spend their final days at a rebuilding club.

Recruits Josh Hodgson, Sisa Waqa, Sia Soliola, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala and Blake Austin are a good start.

But the likes of Dugan and Todd Carney were home grown class acts the Raiders spent years developing into marquee players.

It will take time to nurture their successors and Jack Wighton and Paul Vaughan in particular, both local juniors, are capable of being players you can build a team around.

The Raiders have regularly threatened to devote less money to developing juniors, frustrated there is no salary cap concessions for clubs who do so.

They have reason to be disgruntled, but if they change tack and recruit established players, what's the guarantee they'll come to Canberra over Brisbane or the heavyweight Sydney clubs?

Growing their own has borne fruit in the past, but unfortunately some of it turned rotten, which forced the club to sack them.

Surely lightning won't strike twice.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Canberra Raiders team beaten 38-18 by Cronulla at Canberra Stadium in round 26, 2013

1. Anthony Milford (signed with Brisbane Broncos)

2. Reece Robinson (not re-signed, now at Parramatta)

3. Jarrod Croker (now captain, reigning club player of year)

4. Sami Sauiluma (not re-signed, now at Cronulla)

5. Bill Tupou (fringe player, in final year at Raiders)

6. Terry Campese (released with a year left on contract, now at Hull KR)

18. Sam Williams (returned to club after leaving last season)

8. David Shillington (off contract, overlooked for selection early this season)

9. Josh McCrone (dropped to Mounties)

10. Brett White (retired)

11. Josh Papalii (contracted to Canberra until end of next year)

12. Joel Thompson (signed with St George Illawarra)

13. Joel Edwards (dropped to Mounties)

14. Shaun Berrigan (retired)

15. Joe Picker (retired)

16. Dane Tilse (soon to depart to Hull KR)

17. Paul Vaughan (contracted to Canberra until end of 2017)