We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has praised Jarrod Croker's perseverance and mental strength over the past two years to get his way back to the NRL.
And he hoped his return could spark a turnaround for the struggling Green Machine.
Whether Croker remained in the Raiders team beyond their clash against the high-flying Brisbane Broncos at Lang Park on Saturday night will come down to performance.
Tigers recruit John Bateman has urged Raiders playmaker Jack Wighton to make the move to Leichhardt if he decides to depart Ricky Stuart’s side.
The 30-year-old shocked the Canberra club by announcing he would hit the open market and field offers from rival clubs with an option ready to take up for the 2024 season.
Fox League’s James Hooper revealed the Raiders have tabled a four-year $4.4 million extension while the Dolphins are also in the race.
Meanwhile, Tim Sheens’ Tigers reportedly came to the table with a hopping offer starting at $1.3 million per-season.
Storm fullback Nick Meaney delivered a mammoth performance against the Roosters, and with Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return looming coach Craig Bellamy could have a headache on his hands.
Papenhuyzen suffered a shattered kneecap in July last year during a tackle with Raiders star Jack Wighton.
The 24-year-old travelled to the United States in the off-season to rehab the injury with renowned specialist Bill Knowles, who also worked with Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell.