We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Xavier Savage is ready to bring his X-factor back to the NRL in 2024.
A few years ago the Queenslander burst onto the scene in green, hyped up to be the most exciting young playmaker in the competition with his electric speed and agility.
But injuries saw Savage fall out of the first grade squad last year and struggle to force his way back into the 17.
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said this pre-season has been the toughest he's experienced in recent memory, but there's a green-tinted silver lining.
A number of key positions are up for grabs ahead of Canberra's NRL season-opener against Newcastle on Thursday night, with suspensions to forward Corey Horsburgh and outside back Seb Kris further opening up opportunities for players pushing for selection.
It makes for some difficult decisions come Tuesday afternoon when Stuart officially names his 17 headed to the Hunter.
In a disappointing display on Saturday afternoon, the Raiders junior rep sides succumbed to defeat across all three grades at the illustrious Kirkham Oval in Camden.
The scoreboard painted a bleak picture as the Magpies gained a commanding 14-nil advantage at halftime, leaving the valiant Raiders with an uphill battle for the remaining forty minutes.
However, hope flickered briefly when Woden Valley Rams juniors, Xavier Cacciotti and Ethan Alaia, stormed across the try line consecutively, narrowing the deficit to a tantalizing 14-12.
Alas, the Magpies always had another trick up their sleeve, as winger Daniel Waqa effortlessly sailed over for a try eight minutes later, sealing their victory and earning crucial two points for Wests.