Canberra Raiders NRL News

Canberra Weekly

Newcastle expect Kalyn Ponga to be heavily targeted by Canberra after the superstar fullback declared he is on track to play in their do-or-die NRL finals clash.

Ponga trained without the use of painkillers on Thursday, and while there was minimal contact his shoulder is expected to be needled up for Sunday's elimination final in Newcastle.

Sidelined since he suffered a high-grade AC joint injury in round 26, Ponga is arguably the most important player for Newcastle since the days of Andrew Johns.

And at this stage, all remains on track.

"The shoulder is good," Ponga said on Thursday.

"I trained today, got everything I needed out...

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The Canberra Times

Hudson Young was playing like he had those guilty feet George Michael was singing about in Careless Whisper - he had no rhythm.

The 25-year-old can pinpoint it now. Overthinking lured him into a trap that saw his form fall away with a case of post-Origin blues.

But the Canberra back-rower is confident he is nearing his best as the Raiders head to Newcastle for an elimination final against the Knights in front of a sold-out crowd on Sunday.

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The Canberra Times

Forward Hohepa Puru might be one of the most intriguing Raiders recruits in years, with a fascinating backstory and versatility that could even see him help out Canberra's spine depth.

Puru made an impressive NRL debut last week in Cronulla after earning a start at lock in place of Corey Horsburgh (suspension), and in just 38 minutes, he showed he has a bright future.

With 103 total metres, 25 tackles and a tackle break, Puru continued the strong form he's shown in the NSW Cup since his arrival from the Panthers' system this year.

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