Canberra Raiders NRL News

Des Hasler has benched David Fifita, sending a clear message as Titans face losing streak challenge.

The Daily Telegraph

Des Hasler has drawn a "line in the sand" on the Gold Coast after sending $1 million star David Fifita to reserve grade and putting the Titans on notice as they fight to salvage another spiralling NRL season.

The Titans will head to Suncorp Stadium on Sunday looking for a piece of magic before 50,000 people to snap a four-game losing streak against ladder-leading Canterbury.

At the same time, Fifita will be playing in the Hostplus Cup for the Jets against Northern Pride in front of a handful of diehards at North Ipswich reserve.

After blowing sizeable leads against the Raiders and...

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Gary Belcher, encouraged by Mal Meninga, transformed into a legendary fullback for the Raiders.

Fox League

Gary Belcher never planned to be a fullback and almost wasn't a Raider, but with light "encouragement" from Mal Meninga, helped shape one of the greatest eras of footy ever seen and redefine the role of a No.1.

Belcher was playing as a centre pairing with Meninga at the Brisbane Rugby League's Southern Suburbs Magpies until a forced change of plan from coach Bob McCarthy.

"I was absolutely insulted when he said to me at the start of 1984 that, 'I want you to play fullback'," Belcher recalled on Fox League's Face to Face.

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The Raiders are now recruiting younger players, adjusting their strategy to attract talent amid challenges.

The Riotact

The Raiders have been forced to improvise and adjust their recruitment policy over the years as the club battles to attract big-name players.

It was far easier in the mid-to-late 1980s, with the mass recruitment of Queensland players prior to the formation of the Brisbane Broncos.

In recent times, the Raiders have adopted a new approach, recruiting younger players with the potential to develop over time, guided by some of the more experienced players on the team.

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