Ricky Stuart admits he set out to lead the way with mobile monsters and the strategy has given Canberra some of the NRL's most imposing players.
Offering enigmatic Dave Taylor a career lifeline this season has added his 130kg of prime beef to that of Junior Paulo, Shannon Boyd and Josh Papalii, the quartet boasting a combined weight of almost 500kgs and giving the Raiders a massive forwards rotation.
With their ability to steamroll deep into opposition defences, opportunities are created for backline attacking weapons like off-loading centre Joey Leilua, who himself has tipped the scales at more than 110kgs before trimming to 104kgs.
"Coal Train" Taylor is set to make his second appearance for Canberra in their clash with Parramatta at GIO Stadium on Saturday after making his club debut in their round three thumping of an overwhelmed Wests Tigers outfit.
He ran for 80 metres in 36 minutes in his NRL comeback, the start of a long road to recapturing the form which made him a Queensland Origin player.
Coach Stuart agrees he's a firm believer in the might is right philosophy but only when his skilful monsters are complimented by agile smaller forwards like Clay Priest and Luke Bateman.
They bring a little bit of a balance," Stuart said.
"They've got good footwork and they're not as big as those other guys.
"It's important how we balance the six forwards who are on the field at one time."
Stuart has been satisfied with Taylor's start in his return to the NRL after his stint with English Super League club Catalans was cut short.
"He (Taylor) is quite powerful in his attacking game and he had some good efforts in defence," Stuart said.
"That contribution is really important and having that type of experience on your bench is really good for the 17."
Veteran Sia Soliola replaces the versatile Elliot Whitehead at second row this weekend when the Raiders will be desperate to restate their premiership credentials, with Kiwis Test forward Joe Tapine set to come off the bench.
RICKY'S RAMPAGING RAIDERS
Dave Taylor - 130kgs, 187cms, 28 years
Junior Paulo - 123kgs, 187cms, 23 years
Shannon Boyd - 122kgs, 194cms, 24 years
Josh Papalii - 114kgs, 183cms, 24 years
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