NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
Jarrod Croker has been named as the man to lead the Canberra Raiders into the future, taking over the captaincy from the departing Terry Campese.
The 24-year-old centre replaces Campese, who was recently released by the Raiders to take up a deal with Hull KR in the English Super League.
Croker made his NRL debut for Canberra in 2009 and has scored 892 points in six seasons and 140 games.
This year he was selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII squad to play Papua New Guinea, but said the honour of captaining the Raiders topped that achievement.
“This tops the list for me in my career so far,” Croker said.
“I’m extremely proud and honoured to be named captain of the club.
“I’ve been here for six years in first grade and I want to be here for six or more years.
“I believe the club is growing and heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of that.”
Coach Ricky Stuart said he had the utmost confidence in Croker’s ability to take on the captaincy.
“Jarrod joins the likes of Mal Meninga, Dean Lance and Laurie Daley as captains who have led this great club,” Stuart said.
“He will not be alone and he’ll have all of my and the senior playing groups support as he works his way into the role.”
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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