RAIDERS PRIMED FOR BIG SEASON

Paul Crawley chats with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart

Crawley: Jack Wighton has gone. Jarrod Croker has retired. Does it feel like it’s the start of a new era at the Raiders this pre-season with a lot of youngsters pushing to become regular NRL players?

Stuart: We are definitely transitioning into a new era, I am excited about the opportunities that this will present. We have recruited some of the best junior players across the country and in conjunction with my coaching staff we have the opportunity and time to develop these young men into the next group of Raiders.

Crawley: Who fills Jack’s boots at five-eighth? Who is competing for the No.6 jumper?

Stuart: Kaeo Weekes, Ethan Strange.

Crawley: Tell us about Kaeo Weekes. A young bloke with obvious talent but limited experience. What are fair expectations for him in 2024?

Stuart: Kaeo is an NRL player, he has speed, a good kicking game and really good fundamentals. He will get an opportunity and has settled into Canberra and our preseason very well.

Crawley: What about Ethan Strange. He was a standout in the NSW under-19s who got his NRL debut against the Storm late in the season playing centres but he grew up playing five-eighth. Is he in the mix to play six or does he stay in the centres from an NRL perspective at this point of his development?

Stuart: Ethan will have a successful career as an NRL player, he will be given every opportunity to push his claims for an NRL spot this season. He has had a taste and knows what he needs to work on. He is a natural footballer with toughness and is a competitor. He can play six or centre.

Crawley: Was it a conscious decision not to go out and pay overs to try to bring in an experienced five-eighth to replace Jack and instead invest in youth?

Stuart: Yes, it was a conscious decision. In saying this though it is hard to buy a marquee player in a certain position if he is not there to buy. Some of the youth we have competing for NRL spots may be six to 12 months early, but you have to balance trust and also understand that if you buy over the top of them you might lose one of them. Every young player thinks he is ready. I always ask my young players to trust me in knowing when I think he is ready to not only handle NRL but play well. We are a development club that provides opportunities for young players who want to work hard.

Crawley: Were you disappointed Jack didn’t stay?

Stuart: I can’t answer this honestly, mate. What I can say is that my relationship with a lot of the boys is more than just their coach. Jack, Mon and the children are happy, which is enough for me.

Crawley: Do you think there is enough reward for development clubs like the Raiders. Is the system fair? Stuart: I think it is an area the NRL could focus on and potentially reward clubs for developing players. I believe in this rather than salary cap relief to poach rugby union players.

It is what we do and is a big part of our DNA as a club. The salary cap does not spread talent evenly enough.

Crawley: Jamal Fogarty had a good season last year but copped a lot of flak after that extra-time finals loss against the Knights for not taking control. He wouldn’t be human if that didn’t affect him. How did you see it and was the criticism justified? Stuart: Jamal is a very good NRL player and a big part of our club moving forward. He will learn from those experiences and be a better player as a result. We love having Jamal at our club and what he brings to the team and community.

Crawley: What is a fair expectation for Raiders fans in 2024?

Stuart: We are looking at making the eight and if we have some luck with injuries, and our young players grab their opportunities, etc, we expect to be in the top four.