Canberra Raiders NRL News

The Canberra Times

Ricky Stuart has dismissed criticism of his decision to rest Jarrod Croker so he can play his 300th game at home, declaring he made the call for the entire Canberra community.

The Raiders boss admitted it appeared a "selfish" move to pull veteran Croker out of Friday night's clash with Wests Tigers, but said the 32-year-old would physically benefit from the week off.

Croker's resting hasn't hurt Canberra's stocks too badly, still favourites to win at Campbelltown Stadium with Albert Hopoate shifting to the centres and Nick Cotric taking his spot on the wing.

See more...

The Canberra Times

Read on for the latest news from around the grounds in Canberra sport. We've got the latest on Jarrod Croker's 300^th game celebrations and Canberra's A-League fate.

If it wasn't a Canberra official hunting hundreds of headgears for a giveaway, it was Jarrod Croker's mates chasing a few freebies to wear in the crowd when the Raiders captain plays his 300^th NRL game.

The phone at Madison - the Queensland-based protective sports gear company that supplies Croker with his trademark white headgear - has been ringing off the hook over the past few weeks.

See more...

The Daily Telegraph

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has revealed he has phoned Blues debutant Hudson Young to warn him against going down in Origin folklore for an act of thuggery or grubbiness.

Stuart's advice has emerged as original NSW Origin bash brother Greg Bird endorsed Young as the perfect selection for NSW.

Young's physical playing style for Canberra was a major lure for NSW coach Brad Fittler to select the edge or middle forward on the bench for game one on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old from Maitland has proven he isn't afraid to assert his dominance on the field with a reputation of refusing to take a backward step against his opposition.

See more...