Teammates are backing Josh Hodgson to silence his critics when the English veteran returns to the nation's capital for the first time to take on the Raiders.
Hodgson spent seven seasons in Canberra, helping the Green Machine reach the 2019 grand final before a couple of serious knee injuries ruined his final few years with the team.
The 33-year-old now returns to GIO Stadium in a blue and gold jersey where he's failed to fire in the opening 10 rounds, producing just two try assists and playing reduced minutes with Brendan Hands sharing the role.
'It's going to be massive': Emotional Raiders return set to 'light fire' in Hodgson
Former Raider Josh Hodgson looks to send message to critics
Canberra Weekly
Former Raider Josh Hodgson looks to send message to criticsRaiders get 'emotional' farewelling Cowboys-bound Fijian
The Canberra Raiders have said their goodbyes to dynamic winger Semi Valemei.
The 24-year-old was re-signed in 2021 to remain in Canberra until the end of next season, but now the Fijian international is set to take up a new contract with the North Queensland Cowboys in his quest to play more NRL games.
"It was a really tough moment [Thursday] morning, when Semi, a very quiet guy, spoke to the group," Raiders coach Ricky Stuart confirmed.
