Ricky Stuart has challenged fringe Canberra Raiders to prove they can "make a difference" in the NRL, the threat of COVID-19 prompting the coach to describe the pre-season as the most serious of his career. The Raiders will play their first game of the year when they meet the Sydney Roosters at the end of next week before a clash against Manly on February 25. The lingering uncertainty and likely COVID-19 disruptions to the playing squad and a fresh start after failing to make the finals last year have added extra weight to the practice matches. Stuart will hold back most of his established first-graders in the game against the Roosters and then roll out a near full-strength squad for the last hitout before the opening round of the regular season. Halfback recruit Jamal Fogarty will get his chance against Manly, while Jarrod Croker's problematic knee continues to improve after off-season stem-cell surgery.
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https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7610425/make-a-difference-why-ricky-stuart-says-trials-are-more-important-this-year/?cs=14239
Topic: 'Make a difference': Why Ricky Stuart says trials are more important this year
