Topic: Raiders name squad for first trial

RNA · « **on:** February 15, 2011, 02:55:11 PM »

Raiders name squad for first trial

The Canberra Raiders will take 28 players into their first trial match of the 2011 season this weekend, when they take on the Melbourne Storm in Bega on Saturday night.

The Raiders will be missing some players through injury, with Alan Tongue (Ribs), Blake Ferguson (Finger), Matt Orford (Knee) and Joel Thompson (Ribs) unavailable for the first trial, while Josh Dugan will be rested following his man of the match performance in the All-Stars game last Saturday night.

Tom Learoyd-Lahrs has been named in the squad, but could be an omission based on judiciary proceedings this week.

The 28 man squad is full of new faces that have yet to play at NRL level and Coach David Furner said it’s an opportunity for them to step up and show what they can offer to the team.

“There’s the chance there for some of the younger guys like Sam Williams and Haydon Hodge to step up and play at this level which is exciting for them and the club,” Furner said. “We’ve also got some new faces at the club like Mark Ioane and Nathan Massey who will have an opportunity as well.”

Furner said the despite the loss of some players through injury there was still plenty of experience in the side and said he expected the players to push for positions for round one as well.

“Brett White will have his first game for the club and his experience will be a big bonus and we also have David Shillington and Bronson Harrison playing which will help balance the side,” he said. “With Josh Dugan being rested it’s also an opportunity for David Milne to get some time on the field and the outside backs will also be pushing hard to impress.

The game against the Storm kicks off on Saturday night at the Bega Recreational ground at 7.00pm. Tickets are available through Ticketek on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

CANBERRA RAIDERS v MELBOURNE STORM
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19, BEGA RECREATIONAL GROUND, 7.15pm

GLEN BUTTRISS
JARROD CROKER
DANNY GALEA
JARRAD KENNEDY
BRONSON HARRISON
HAYDON HODGE
SHAUN FENSOM
MARK IOANE
TOM LEAROYD-LAHRS (TBC)
DRURY LOW
NATHAN MASSEY
SAM MATAORA
JOSH McCRONE
JOSH MILLER
DAVID MILNE
MARK NICHOLLS
JOE PICKER
MICHAEL PICKER
REECE ROBINSON
DAVID SHILLINGTON
NICK SKINNER
JAMES STUART
TREVOR THURLING
DANE TILSE
DANIEL VIDOT
SAM WILLIAMS
TRAVIS WADDELL
BRETT WHITE

Source Raiders.com.au

GB7600 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2011, 04:29:38 PM »

Good to see Furner is giving a lot of the youngens a bit of a run. I will be very interested to see how Hayden Hodge goes against NRL opposition. The kid is a flash of green in the NYC.

Dutchman · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2011, 07:22:18 PM »

Its about time Milne got another run in the side. You know you see these stories about Blake Furgason getting injured and speculation about players to replace him and its Low this, Robbinson that. What about the Axe? Why not put him out on the wing again and give him a run for christs sake. Just because we have Dugan now doesn't mean NRL level players should be dropped for rookies or even newcomers to the team.

Raidercast · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2011, 09:00:07 AM »

Quote from: Dutchman on February 15, 2011, 07:22:18 PM

Its about time Milne got another run in the side. You know you see these stories about Blake Furgason getting injured and speculation about players to replace him and its Low this, Robbinson that. What about the Axe? Why not put him out on the wing again and give him a run for christs sake. Just because we have Dugan now doesn't mean NRL level players should be dropped for rookies or even newcomers to the team.

I understand where you are coming from but Furner is going to have to make the call on who he thinks is best to take that back line spot. Sometimes "NRL level players" as you put it are not the best option for the team, sometimes they are. Dave is just going to have to weigh it all up and go with someone. Milne is a very damaging, strong and fast. Low on the other hand is lighter, faster, and extremely nimble. Both of them have some question marks in defense, Low especially. Then there is Robbo who proved at the end of last season that he is more than worthy of waring Green in the NRL.

In the end what all this means is one thing: choice. Furner has choices and depth to work with so if a player isn't playing up to scratch or gets injured, there is going to be another youngster waiting in 2nd grade to take his NRL spot. It's healthy competition and its a very nice change to have a lot of quality 'backup' players in our ranks.

If you ask me, Milne or Low should get first crack, just because they have been waiting so long for another chance. Give them a chance and if they are up to it then great, if not then give it to Robbo, Fergo, or someone else.

Zeus · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2011, 10:36:26 AM »

Should be a few nice headaches for Furner this year with all the Toyota Cup players trying to break into first grade.

pocket rocket · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2011, 04:47:53 PM »

There is some real talent in that squad and it doesn't even have the likes of Dugan, Campo or Orford in it. The herd of cattle is coming along very nicely. Wonder how old Elliot's heifers are treating him these days?

Territorian · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2011, 12:25:39 PM »

Milne first, Low second, Robbinson third and then the rest.

Will be interesting to see who Furner starts out of Trav and Buttriss. I'm thinking Buttriss because Waddell is backing up from all-stars.

Dutchman · « **Reply #7 on:** February 18, 2011, 12:46:21 PM »

Quote from: Rick on February 16, 2011, 09:00:07 AM

Quote from: Dutchman on February 15, 2011, 07:22:18 PM
Its about time Milne got another run in the side. You know you see these stories about Blake Furgason getting injured and speculation about players to replace him and its Low this, Robbinson that. What about the Axe? Why not put him out on the wing again and give him a run for christs sake. Just because we have Dugan now doesn't mean NRL level players should be dropped for rookies or even newcomers to the team.

I understand where you are coming from but Furner is going to have to make the call on who he thinks is best to take that back line spot. Sometimes "NRL level players" as you put it are not the best option for the team, sometimes they are. Dave is just going to have to weigh it all up and go with someone. Milne is a very damaging, strong and fast. Low on the other hand is lighter, faster, and extremely nimble. Both of them have some question marks in defense, Low especially. Then there is Robbo who proved at the end of last season that he is more than worthy of waring Green in the NRL.

In the end what all this means is one thing: choice. Furner has choices and depth to work with so if a player isn't playing up to scratch or gets injured, there is going to be another youngster waiting in 2nd grade to take his NRL spot. It's healthy competition and its a very nice change to have a lot of quality 'backup' players in our ranks.

If you ask me, Milne or Low should get first crack, just because they have been waiting so long for another chance. Give them a chance and if they are up to it then great, if not then give it to Robbo, Fergo, or someone else.

Totally agree with all of that. I just want to see Milne in the side again to see how he goes because its been awhile.

CampoFAN · « **Reply #8 on:** February 18, 2011, 02:24:56 PM »

The only time you are going to see Milne is when Dugan is playing state of origin.

Raidercast · « **Reply #9 on:** February 18, 2011, 05:57:26 PM »

Quote from: CampoFAN on February 18, 2011, 02:24:56 PM

The only time you are going to see Milne is when Dugan is playing state of origin.

Milne can easily play wing so taking Dugan's fullback spot isn't his only option. If I were him I would be brushing up on my winger's skills and aiming for that instead. However you are right in implying that barring injury, rep selection, or suspension, Dugan has the number 1 spot locked in.

Raiders name squad for first trial