No more excuses – Canberra captain Jarrod Croker admits the pressure will be on the Raiders to perform under coach Ricky Stuart in 2016 now he’s got “the team that he wants”.
After a 2015 NRL finals near miss, Croker said they could no longer afford to give any more hard luck stories in Stuart’s third year at the NRL club.
Croker welcomed new arrivals such as ex-Gold Coast pivot Aidan Sezer, former Knights hooker Adam Clydsdale and ex-Melbourne powerhouse Jeff Lima when Canberra became the first NRL team to return from the off-season on Monday.
Stuart’s Raiders had plenty to complain about after their 2015 finals chances were ended by a dramatic round 23 loss to Manly, sealed by Brett Stewart’s try from an offside position.
In the end, they finished two wins outside the top eight.
And there were probably a few more grumbles after they were summoned to become the first team back to train for 2016.
They had seven weeks off after their 28-24 NRL win over Parramatta on September 6, now it’s up to the Raiders to turn into a green machine that is firing on all cylinders in 2016.
“He’s got the team that he wants, it is up to us now,” Croker said.
“There’s not many players left from a couple of years ago, so it’s been a bit of a fresh start the last 18 months to two years.
“I am excited about it (challenge). I know Sticky (Stuart) is as well.”
Croker looked forward to Sezer adding healthy competition to their incumbent halves combination – No.7 Sam Williams and Dally M Five-eighth of the Year Blake Austin.
“I met Aidan so I know he is excited to get into it,” Croker said.
Williams was unfazed by Sezer’s arrival.
“I am excited about the chance to challenge myself, learn about Aidan and his game and try and push each other so we can be in the best position we can be come round one,” Williams told reporters on Monday.
Tripehound
Guest
Just like Josh Hodgson hey?
The eye
Guest
Sowards a horrible club 5/8 ?What do I say ? I just dont think that Jack has that crucial ingredient of excellent fullback play..field awareness.Too often,as you pointed out hes not where he should be in attack and defence.He doesnt seem to be able to read whats going to potentially erupt in the play and envisage the all important next couple.. Austin on the other hand is a natural..unfortunately he cant pass or kick in general play and prone to fall off tackles when fatigued..but,one of the best runners of the football last season.. I look at Luke Lewis whos been beautful off Jack Bird and wonder how Jack W.cant follow that lead..hes every bit as tough,fast and elusive and hits very hard..Raiders need a fast,running backrower..a Cordener,Cooper..its not an original idea,hes played there before.. I like Wighton a lot and just feel Ricky should be getting more value out of him than the handful of above average games hes currently getting
Samtwocan
Guest
Just like Sam Tomkins was hey ?
zim
Guest
Which season do you think was Jack's best? Take note that I said season. Not game. That means the season as a whole. In 2012 he missed most of the year because of a toe injury. In 2013 he had a good year. His best before 2015. In 2014 he had an average year starting at 5/8. In 2015 he played more matches, scored more tries, made more metres, more tackle breaks and line breaks, more try assists than any year previous. How the hell do you gauge career best season? As for your other point if the Panther's move Moylan, which they haven't yet, it'll be because they think they have a horrible 5/8, not because they think their fullback needs more ball. Canberra already has an excellent 5/8 in Austin, a Dally M 5/8 of the year winner in fact. There are areas to experiment in for the Raiders in 2016 (props) but you have chosen the completely incorrect area. We have our best spine since Walters / Daley / Stuart / Mullins and you want to mess with it.
Tripehound
Guest
Canberra's best recruit has still to arrive. Elliott Whitehead should, all things being equal, start against New Zealand in the first test this Sunday. He'll be a stand out performer in the NRL next season.
Cedric
Guest
hmmmmm, no more excuses for the Warriors either!
The eye
Guest
Jack Wighton career best season ? How low is your bar.. .What are you two whining about ? Love to see a JT/Gav.Cooper set up with Sezar and Wighton..Wighton had a run there a few years ago in the indigenous game,looked better value..as for moving players in 'career best'...where's Moylan playing next year ? Anyway,hope Ricky's a little more experimental than you two..
zim
Guest
You don't take 2 guys that have had career best season's in their positions and move them. It's just a ridiculous idea. The only reason Wighton doesn't feature as much as he should is his support play isn't where it should be. It's not like Austin is in his way when a support player is needed. Most the time Wighton is simply not there. That's going to improve as he gets more experience and he had a fantastic first year as fullback.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I wonder if Tim Gore is reading this while on holidays?
pjm
Roar Rookie
Worst advice I've ever read.
The eye
Guest
Cant help but feel Jack Wighton needs to be re positioned,hes much more damaging/ punishing than hes being allowed to show..hopefully Ricky trials him at 13,see how he goes there..and give Blake A. a shot at fullback..certainly 8 potenntial...
Niall
Guest
They aren't contenders yet but a top class forward and the continued improvement of the younger talent who are only scratching the surface of their potential could get them there. I don't think Ricky is as bad as his detractors make out but he doesn't do himself any favours with his constant whinging.
Kirk
Guest
They can win away from home, they can no longer win in Canberra is their problem!
Samtwocan
Guest
They are actually a required amount of wins away from being contenders . If Ricky can get them there it will go a long way to shutting up his detractors , if they flop you'd have to think his coaching career would be over .
Niall
Guest
Raiders will make the 8. They are one monster forward away from being contenders over the next few years.