Raiders rookies ready to shine
February 28, 2006
A fired up Canberra Raiders outfit will start their 2006 campaign against Manly at Brookvale Oval on Saturday night, with three first grade debutants ready to strut their stuff for the Green Machine.
Adrian Purtell, Willie Raston, and Ben Jones will make their first appearances in the top grade, with all three keen to make their mark after doing their apprenticeships with the Raiders lower grades.
Starting on the wing, Purtell said Saturday’s debut against Manly is the culmination of a lot of hard work, but said he knows there will be plenty more ahead as the season progresses.
“It’s been a while, I think this is my fourth season now but it’s all worth it,” Purtell said. “Now I’m in first grade I want to hold my spot and try and do my best.
“I’ve been given the chance to start the season in the top grade and hopefully I can hold some form and stay in the side for the season.”
Second rower Ben Jones is in his second season with the Raiders after moving from Redcliffe in Queensland, and said his opportunity to play first grade will not be wasted.
“I can’t wait to play this weekend and make my debut finally,” Jones said. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for about six years and I’ve worked hard to get into first grade.”
Willie Raston will make his debut up front for Canberra, and said he’s keen to make an impact against the experienced Sea Eagles pack.
“I’ve been here for three years and have been working hard and I’m really looking forward to it,” Raston said. “It’s been my best pre-season since I’ve been here, and I’ve really enjoyed training with the top grade.”
Raiders Coach Matt Elliot said it’s not just a case of giving his young players a run, rather rewarding them for a strong pre season.
“At this level it’s not about being young or old it’s about picking the players that are playing the best,” Elliot said. “That’s why we trial, we trial to have a look at the structures of play that were looking to utilize and to see who’s playing the best footy.
“At the moment we have a lot of guys who are pushing for first grade selection, and these guys have played the best footy so far.
RAIDERS v MANLY
Saturday, March 11
1. CLINTON SCHIFCOFSKE (C)
2. ADRIAN PURTELL
3. PHIL GRAHAM
4. DAVID HOWELL
5. ADAM MOGG
6. JASON SMITH
7. LINCOLN WITHERS
8. WILLIE RASTON
9. SIMON WOOLFORD
10. TROY THOMPSON
11. BEN JONES
12. JASON CROKER
13. ALAN TONGUE
INTERCHANGE
14. TODD CARNEY
15. TERRY MARTIN
16. THOM LEAROYD-LARS
17. JOSH MILLER
18. WILLIAM ZILLMAN
http://www.raiders.com.au/season/news/06030601/
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No changes to the 17 named in the CT today, but interesting to note Zillman is #18. Maybe Elliott will use him afterall, it may be a game-day decision.
