Samoa's Anthony Milford.
One began the year languishing in NSW Cup, while the other was carving up SG Ball 18 months ago.
But Canberra coach Ricky Stuart wants star rookies Paul Vaughan and Anthony Milford to use their greater leadership roles with World Cup ''minnows'' to steel themselves for a Raiders revival.
Italy prop Vaughan was named Canberra's rookie of the year after a breakout campaign, while 19-year-old Milford became the youngest winner of the Mal Meninga Medal.
Cook Islands' Sam Mataora. Photo: Jay Cronan
But Stuart insists they can use the World Cup to scale even greater heights, and be ready to help spark a Raiders fightback after a nightmare 2013.
''They're seen as senior people there, they have greater roles and responsibilities in those teams,'' Stuart said.
''That brings more accountability and the need for a quality performance than if they were with one of the more high-profile nations.
Australia's Josh Papalli. Photo: Peter Rae
''There's no rule in regards to how old you have to be to do that, the World Cup will show them the level of intensity they have to get to.''
Think Canberra internationals and all-time greats such as Bradley Clyde, Mal Meninga and Laurie Daley spring to mind.
However, the record six Raiders players competing at this World Cup are mainly youngsters hoping to use it as an audition to impress new coach Stuart.
Italy's Paul Vaughan. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
Cook Islands outside back Jordan Rapana hasn't played NRL since 2008 after taking time out to complete a two-year Mormon mission.
Prop Sam Mataora will be desperate to make an impact for the same side after playing just 33 games in four seasons in Canberra.
On his first Kangaroos tour, Josh Papalii wasn't named for Saturday night's clash with England. But Stuart hopes the professionalism of Australia's stars rubs off on the back-rower.
Stuart knows all about the pressures of a World Cup as coach of the Australian side upset by New Zealand in the 2008 final.
''What I'm hoping Josh comes back with is how these great players prepare and handle themselves,'' Stuart said.
''I need him to come back and portray the likes of [Paul] Gallen, Cameron Smith, how they conduct themselves to get the level of performance which has made them big names.
''I'd like to see that replicated here by Josh with the Canberra Raiders.''
The international careers of his Raiders teammates at the World Cup are just beginning, but Brett White will finish his with Ireland.
After a season plagued by off-field turmoil, White believes he will return from the tournament refreshed and recharged.
''Personally, it's going to be great for me, it's been a really tough year and we've had to deal with a lot of off-field things,'' White said.
''It's good to just get back to concentrating on playing footy, and not those dramas we've had.
''It'll be good to get away from that, I'll enjoy my footy and I'll come back fresher for the experience.''
In the toughest pool alongside Australia, England and Fiji, Ireland is the least fancied 500-1 outsider to win the tournament.
White said Italy's boilover win over England in a warm-up clash had given Ireland hope it could be a surprise packet.
''Italy's a great example, they've got a really strong side and Fiji also,'' he said.
''There's definitely a few horses in there with a big chance.
''Someone like Paul Vaughan has only had one year of first grade, but hanging out with players like Anthony Minichiello is going to be so invaluable for these young guys.''
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