Canberra Raiders happy to play by the rules and continue stripping

Canberra have become masters of the art of one-on-one stripping, and they have no intention of changing their ways after declaring they’re simply playing by the rules of the game.

Canberra are leading the competition for strips this season. Picture: Michael Chambers

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Canberra say the only NRL teams complaining about one-on-one strips are the ones who can’t take advantage of the new rules.

The NRL introduced rules last season which allow players to leave a tackle so their teammate can perform a one-on-one strip before the contest is complete.

The Raiders have mastered the art and have pinched the ball 23 times this season, the next best is Melbourne (11) who they face in a top-four battle on Saturday.

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Canberra are leading the competition for strips this season. Picture: Michael Chambers

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Canberra co-captain Josh Hodgson leads the competition with 11 and said he expects teams will be alert to his pickpocketing antics heading into finals.

“It’s just been presenting itself and if that’s the rule in place then that’s what you’re allowed to do. It can be a massive momentum changer in games,” Hodgson said.

“We’ve been doing a good job of swinging momentum in games with it a few times when we’ve had our backs against the wall.

Hooker Josh Hodgson has the most to his name in the NRL. Credit: Fox Sports

“If a team is coming out of yardage and you manage to get that then straight away you’re in a good position and it can be a massive boost for your side.

“I’m sure it’s something that teams will talk about (me) and talk about our team in general. We’ve had quite a few but we don’t go into every tackle thinking we’re going to strip here.”

The Sydney Roosters are the second-worst stripping team (two) and coach Trent Robinson called for the rule to be scrapped after losing one-on-one contests against the Raiders last Sunday.

English star John Bateman has flourished in his first NRL season and has made some crucial one-on-one strips for the Raiders.

“I’ve seen plenty of people complaining about it but it’s a rule and you take advantage of the rules as much as you can,” Bateman said.

“The teams that aren’t so good at it are the ones complaining about it.”

Canberra co-captain Jarrod Croker added: “It was nice when it was going unnoticed, to be honest. Melbourne do it quite well too and we’ll have to be alert on that this weekend.”