Family reunions major factor in Mogg's Canberra return
BY LEE GASKIN
30 Mar, 2010 09:12 AM
Just when the Canberra Raiders halfback debate appeared over, in steps Adam Mogg.
More known as a centre or winger during his previous stint with the Green Machine, the 32-year-old yesterday made his intentions clear he could fill any spot in the back line.
The Raiders have secured Mogg for the rest of the season, and his return could come as soon as Sunday's clash with the Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium.
Mogg said he had added several elements to his game during his three-year stint with French Super League club Catalans Dragons, which followed four seasons with Canberra from 2003.
''I played a lot of five-eighth or in the halves, so I had to obviously develop and work hard at that,'' Mogg said. ''I'm a bit more versatile than I was when I went to France.''
Finding the ideal halves partner for five-eighth Terry Campese has been a sore point for the Raiders this year.
Marc Herbert was dumped to the Queensland Cup after round one, with Josh McCrone preferred for the past two weeks. McCrone, however, inspired little confidence with a dismal display in the Raiders' 24-4 loss to the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Mogg was greeted warmly by Raiders players and coaching staff yesterday, including Campese and assistant coach Andrew McFadden.
McFadden was on the Catalans coaching staff during Mogg's stay.
''I coached him over in France and he did a real good job in the halves,'' he said. ''At this stage we're looking for some outside back cover, with potential that if we do have injuries that he can cover that halfback spot.''
Mogg is yet to decide if he will return next year, but wants to hit the heights that earnt two Queensland State Of Origin caps in 2006.
''I'd definitely like to get back to that sort of form, whether that's enough to put you back in that Queensland team is a different thing,'' he said. ''That team's a special team. I've just got to worry about getting my form right and playing good footy for Canberra.''
Mogg returned to the Raiders HQ yesterday with two new additions two-year-old son Harry and four-month-old daughter Belle.
He said being closer to his family played a major role in his decision to return to Australia. ''Some of them haven't seen our daughter, so they're happy to have us back in Australia.''
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