‘Instantly threatening’: Raiders young gun fires first shot in fullback fight

Raiders young gun Xavier Savage has staked his claim for the No. 1 jersey after a dazzling first half display called “electric” by Fox League’s analysts.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 18: Xavier Savage of the Raiders scores a try during the NRL Trial match between the Sydney Roosters and the Canberra Raiders at Leichhardt Oval on February 18, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Raiders young gun Xavier Savage has shown his “electric” qualities in the club’s trial match against the Roosters, stunning commentators.

Savage opened the scoring at Leichhardt Oval, grubbering to himself before regathering a deflection to score under the posts only four minutes into the game.

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Fox Sports analyst Michael Ennis dubbed the teenage sensation “instantly threatening” in live coverage and after only 22 minutes of the game he was handed more praise.

“The noises coming out of Canberra was he could wear the No. 1 against Cronulla in Round 1 and he has certainly added to those claims you would imagine on the strength of this,” Warren Smith said in commentary.

“He is showing no signs of any effects from the off-season shoulder surgery that he had to have, he has been brilliant with his foot work, he has been in great positions and he is showing great confidence,” Ennis said.

“Every time he has had an opportunity he has backed himself.

“He came down here last year, to the Raiders from Queensland and is an exceptional talent with great speed.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 18: Xavier Savage of the Raiders scores a try during the NRL Trial match between the Sydney Roosters and the Canberra Raiders at Leichhardt Oval on February 18, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“They predicted at some point in the coming years that he’d be up to it Xavier but I don’t think they realised how quick he would grasp his opportunity.”

Savage only featured for the Raiders three times last season, but it was enough to create huge hype around the youngster.

Two of his appearances were 80 minute stints in the No. 1 jersey in wins against the Sea Eagles and Sharks in Rounds 17 and 18 respectively.

While his athletic ability was clear, his slight frame was one issue that arose in the top grade and now Ennis believes Savage has fixed that problem.

“Physically he had some work to do … and he has worked tremendously hard on his body and his condition and you can see it,” Ennis explained before continuing to prase the youngster.

“Looking at him now from 12 months ago, (he is) almost unrecognisable from how much work he has put into his body.

“He has been electric in every opportunity, he doesn’t look overwrought in any occasion.”

Savage will be in a fight for the fullback jersey with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad who spent the majority of the 2021 season on the sideline with a neck injury.

Originally published as ‘Instantly threatening’: Raiders young gun fires first shot in fullback fight