Baptism of fire has Stuart praying for second coming

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Baptism of fire has Stuart praying for second coming

James Stuart's NRL initiation - trying to keep Israel Folau quiet - was tougher than most.



And after getting a taste of first grade last year, the Raiders outside back is desperate for more.

With former Cronulla flyer Blake Ferguson racing the clock to be fit for round one against his old side, a spot out wide may be up for grabs.

Raiders coach David Furner said Stuart was ''in the mix'' for the Sharks match along with the likes of David Milne, Reece Robinson and Drury Low should Ferguson be unavailable.

Stuart played five games early last season, making his NRL debut against the Broncos in round two, before an ankle injury halted his progress.

He received solid game time in Canberra's 24-4 trial loss to Melbourne last week, and is expected to today be named in a 21-player squad to play Canterbury at Tamworth on Saturday.

Furner was expected to name the squad yesterday, but pushed it back a day to give injured stars Joel Thompson [rib cartilage] and Matt Orford [knee] a chance to prove their fitness at today's team session.

Orford is rated highly unlikely to play, which will give the club's young halves Sam Williams, Michael Picker and Josh McCrone another chance to impress. Ferguson and Thompson's injury clouds mean their rivals have a chance to press their round one claims against the Bulldogs.

''Blake's probably racing the clock for round one and there's a position open, or maybe two,'' Furner said.

''I'm pleased for Jimmy [Stuart] to be in the situation he is in, contesting for a position in that first grade team.

''Jimmy had a chance there early last season, but [when he got injured] other players got an opportunity, and he found it hard to jump back in.

''It was a mixed game for Jimmy [against Melbourne], and I know he'd like to improve on that.''

Should Stuart break back into first grade this year, there is no doubt he's pleased Folau now prefers a Sherrin over a Steeden.

Folau scored two tries against the fresh-faced Stuart, and hurt the Raiders back for good measure.

For more on this story, including details of Stuart's back injury at that time, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.

SATURDAY

Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Scully Park, Tamworth. Games starts 7.30pm.

Source: The Canberra Times