Kris keeps Savage at bay in Raiders' fullback battle
Rising star Xavier Savage will have to wait to wrestle back his No.1 jersey in Canberra as coach Ricky Stuart prioritises the continuity that's helped them steady their NRL campaign.
Savage, who's been named for his first game of the year against Canterbury on a wing, might even find himself back in NSW Cup next weekend after Stuart vowed to recall Albert Hopoate after he misses the Bulldogs game to attend a family wedding.
Many expected Savage, viewed as the club's best fullback pre-season, would immediately take the job from Sebastian Kris on his return from a broken jaw, but the deputy's hot form has seen him hang on to the role.