Raiders' Tom Starling defends young halfback Ethan Sanders amid criticism, as team struggles in 14th place after last season's minor premiership win.
Hooker Tom Starling has lashed out at criticism surrounding Canberra's young halfback Ethan Sanders, saying it's not his fault the Raiders' campaign is in tatters.
The Green Machine's minor premiership defence has been one to forget, with the club in danger of becoming just the third team in the NRL era to miss out on finals the year after finishing first in the regular season.
Their poor form, which has them languishing in 14th spot, follows coach Ricky Stuart's decision to thrust Sanders into the No.7 jersey when Jamal Fogarty left for Manly in the off-season.