Raiders Opt for Experience in Round 1 Hooking Battle
The Canberra Raiders are set to kick off their season with a more experienced spine combination, with coach Ricky Stuart confirming that Jayden Brailey will make his club debut in Round 1. This strategic decision means that rising star Owen Pattie is likely to miss out on the 19-man squad altogether, beginning the year in reserve grade.
Pattie was a consistent presence for the Raiders throughout the previous season, featuring in every game from the Las Vegas opener to their finals campaign. However, he will need to hone his skills further in the NSW Cup before earning another shot in the top grade.
The question of how the three hookers – Brailey, Pattie, and Tom Starling – would fit into the Raiders’ run-on side had been a point of discussion since Starling’s re-signing last year. Stuart’s latest decision has provided some much-needed clarity on this matter.
Stuart explained that Pattie’s limited minutes in the top grade were hindering his development. As reported by Code Sports, the coach believes that Pattie’s progression was being stunted by not getting enough game time.
“The only reason Owen Pattie is playing NSW Cup is he needs more game time to keep developing his career,” Stuart stated. “He is still very young as a hooker at NRL level, and I need to do this as he is our future and going to be the Raiders’ starting hooker for as long as he wants so I need to give him more game time whilst it is available to make him the best player he can be.”
Stuart elaborated on the rationale behind this move, emphasising the need for Pattie to experience longer stints on the field.
“His game will not progress at an NRL level by averaging 21 minutes a week,” he added. “It was a very unique year for Owen last season finding his feet at NRL level coming off the bench behind Starlo (Starling) but I don’t want him to be an impact player. He needs to learn how to play long minutes in what is one of the most demanding positions on the field.”
The coach confirmed that Pattie has accepted the decision and understands its importance for his long-term career. “He is a professional and totally understood and trusted the call.”
Injury Concerns Impact Raiders’ Round 1 Selection
In other team news for the Raiders, Matthew Timoko and Matty Nicholson have been ruled out of the Round 1 side due to fitness concerns stemming from injury recovery.
Stuart provided an update on the duo, explaining their current situations.
“Matty Timoko has recovered well with his foot but has missed a fair bit of workload over the last two weeks,” Stuart said. “He will get 80 minutes in NSW Cup along with Matty Nicholson who had a shoulder issue in our last trial to get some confidence and form.”
The Raiders are scheduled to face the Manly Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park. The match is anticipated to be played in front of a vocal home crowd for the Raiders this Saturday. This opening fixture presents an immediate test for the team as they look to establish their form early in the season. The absence of Timoko and Nicholson, key players in their respective positions, will undoubtedly require other members of the squad to step up and deliver. The focus will be on how the new-look spine combination performs under pressure and whether the team can overcome these initial selection challenges to secure a strong start to their campaign.
