Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has revealed the membership from the nation’s capital with transition right into a “new era” within the coming years with a number of high-profile stars departing.
Both veteran centre Jarrod Croker and membership talisman Jack Wighton each left on the finish of the 2023 season, that means Canberra lose 549 video games of NRL expertise.
Stuart additionally revealed that each Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead, two of the membership’s most loyal servants, would even be retiring on the finish of the 2024 season.
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In complete, Stuart’s facet shall be with out over 950 video games of NRL expertise by the tip of 2024, and he instructed the Canberra Times that the cub’s transition is about to start.
“Over the next 12 months we’re going to be transitioning into a new era,” Stuart mentioned.
“We’ll be losing 1000 games of NRL experience with Jarrod and Jack leaving this year, Elliott and Jordan being their last season in ‘24.”
“So there is an enormous amount of experience that we’ll be losing and it’s going to be a very challenging period for us as a club.
“But I’m certainly looking at it as a positive and a massive opportunity. There’s going to be times in this transition… where there will be inconsistencies whilst we’re developing this young group.”
Several high-profile departures leaves the door open for younger weapons to make a splash at NRL stage, and younger gun Xavier Savage shall be determined to make a primary grade return.
The 21-year-old performed just one NRL recreation is 2023 after that includes 19 occasions in 2022, with Stuart favouring Sebastian Kris and Jordan Rapana at fullback.
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Savage additionally performed on the wing within the Raiders’ NSW Cup facet and can seemingly push for a spot within the membership’s first grade backline.
Meanwhile, Sea Eagles younger gun Kaeo Weekes additionally reportedly toured Canberra’s headquarters forward of a possible transfer to the nation’s capital.
With Matt Frawley additionally departing on the finish of 2023, the Raiders have a vacant spot at five-eighth to associate Jamal Fogarty.
Weekes, who solely performed 9 NRL video games this yr, is about to turn into the membership’s subsequent No.6 and signal for the Raiders in an instantaneous swap.
Elsewhere, younger gun Chevy Stewart may additionally push for first grade alternatives, whereas Albert Hopoate is one other candidate for the surface backs.
NRL rookie Ethan Strange can also be within the combine for a spot, and has up to now performed as a five-eighth regardless of making his debut within the centres.
Stuart defined it is going to be all the way down to pre-season as to who will get “first crack” within the vacant roles.
“Xavier Savage had a horrendous year with injury and disruptions off the field, but he’s still a very young NRL player,” he mentioned.
“We’ve got Chevy Stewart, who I’m hoping will taste first grade next season… I’ve got Ethan Strange, who is going to get an opportunity to take over as a No.6.
“I’m hoping Kaeo Weekes is signed with us, and they’re going to get their opportunity to become NRL players.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
