Canberra Raiders News

A city coach traveled to rural New South Wales for mentoring, then reluctantly enjoyed drinks with local coaches after the seminar.

Zero Tackle

Last week I was out Bush! This city boy ventured deep into Country New South Wales, avoiding kangaroos, cows, horses and other animals to do a bit of coach mentoring.

I live in Brisbane (very much a city) and took the flight to Canberra (another city) before driving four hours West to Narrandera (country) where I held a coach's night, attended by several local coaches from the host and neighbouring clubs.

The President of Narrandera Lizards, nicknamed Bundy for reasons unbeknownst to many, couldn't get me to the local pub fast enough at the conclusion of my seminar.

Of course, I fought against this awful suggestion with every fibre of my being, but lost. And, met by another coach I mentor, Kye, who'd travelled a fair way to catch up, I felt obliged to sink a few schooners with them (under duress of course).

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Josh Papalii hints at his future with the Raiders, citing love for footy after 16 seasons with the club.

Zero Tackle

Off contract at the end of this season, Canberra Raiders forward Josh Papalii has provided a major hint on his future.

After 16 seasons in the nation's capital, and a one-club-player, Papalii has given his all to the Raiders, but admitted he could be on borrowed time.

Asked on SEN 1170 Sportsday how he has managed to keep going for all these years, the 34-year-old simply attributed it to his love of footy.

"I think just in general, I just love it," Papalii said.

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Bronson Xerri seeks release from the Bulldogs; dropped to reserve grade ahead of Round 3, replaced by Enari Tuala.

Zero Tackle

Conversations continue to emerge around the situation involving Bronson Xerri and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, with head coach Cameron Ciraldo now addressing the saga publicly.

Late last week, reports emerged that Xerri was pushing for an immediate release from the Bulldogs after becoming disgruntled at the club. 

Days later, it was confirmed he had been dropped from the first-grade side for the Round 3 clash against the Canberra Raiders, instead being named to play in reserve grade. 

He is set to be replaced in the top squad by Enari Tuala.

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