Raiders players back in training in time for brutal Canberra heatwave
THIS is Canberra’s reward for winning just ten of 24 games last season and missing the NRL finals. A return to off-season training in stifling 33 degree heat.
Raiders
Don't miss out on the headlines from Raiders. Followed categories will be added to My News.
RUMOUR MILL: Off-season players movements
THIS is Canberra’s reward for winning just ten of 24 games last season and missing the NRL finals.
A return to off-season training in stifling 33 degree heat.
Determined Raiders players will return to the club’s Bruce headquarters on Thursday to officially start their 2019 rugby league campaign.
And it will coincide with a heatwave sweeping across the national capital.
“The players are back just in time for the heatwave to hit,” said Raiders chief executive Don Furner.
Parramatta and Canterbury – who missed last year’s finals – will also return to training on Thursday.
It is remarkable to think the NRL grand final was played just over a month ago and next year’s October 6 decider is still 339 days away.
And there is still seven weeks until Christmas. Can you believe it?
Starting training on November 1 is punishment for Canberra running tenth last season, Canterbury 12th and Parramatta last.
Raiders players will on Thursday have meetings before splitting into four groups for screen testing, medicals and administration housekeeping.
They will start physical testing on Friday.
Furner and Canberra coach Ricky Stuart completed an induction day on Thursday with several coaches and officials.
“The rep players will be back a bit later,” Furner said. “Everybody was frustrated with last year. There was a feeling of deja vu in terms of so many close losses. That will be a major source of motivation for us.”
Parramatta will return this morning without star Jarryd Hayne, who is yet to re-sign with the club.
Recruits Junior Paulo and Shaun Lane will join stars Michael Jennings, Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman at training on Thursday.
There will be orientation and field work for the Eels. The only big name missing will be Roosters buy, Blake Ferguson, still having an off-season break.
The Bulldogs are back at Belmore on Thursday although big David Klemmer – the Test prop being chased by Newcastle - remains on a break.
High profile five-eighth Kieran Foran will return on Thursday feeling fit and refreshed.
The majority of Canterbury’s full-time squad will train. They will also endure a weights session before having more field work next week.
While it seems unthinkable that three teams are back already, players have enjoyed an eight week holiday since their last game of last season.
Meanwhile former Canberra players Andrew McFadden and Brett White will be Stuart’s assistant coaches this coming season.
“All our coaches are ex-players here at the Raiders,” Furner said.
Manly will start their off-season training on Monday.
Every ODI and T20I ad-break free during play only on FOX CRICKET this November. Get Sport HD + Entertainment with no lock in contract and no iQ4 set up costs. SIGN UP TODAY! T&C’s Apply
Originally published as Raiders players back in training in time for brutal Canberra heatwave
NRL Xmas wish list: Clause curses, Nelson off the naughty list
Some clubs just want a season without any off-field distractions, others need their players to find some focus inside the lines. We take a look at what’s on every NRL club’s wish list this Christmas.
Reed Mahoney vs everyone: Bitter NRL feuds that will define 2025
Bulldogs rake Reed Mahoney will have a bounty on his head heading into 2025 after accruing an array of victims in 2024. We reveal the best, and worst, feuds of the year and who won’t be exchanging Christmas cards.