Raiders place faith in rookies
By James Hooper
July 15, 2006
CANBERRA'S general manager Don Furner has defended the Raiders' long-term vision in the wake of the shock departure of Queensland Origin fullback Clinton Schifcofske.
Although the Raiders will lose a collective 827 games worth of NRL talent next season, Furner has thrown his full support behind the incoming rookie coach Neil Henry - and has backed Canberra's conservative recruitment policy.
Admitting the Raiders have not signed a "Sydney superstar" in the club's 25-year history, Furner feels Canberra's junior development policy is the only way forward for the once-mighty green machine.
And the Raiders general manager has pointed to a promising crop of rookies headed by Todd Carney, William Zillman, Thom Learoyd-Lahrs and Dane Tilse as the solution to the exodus of experienced Canberra players.
"We're very disappointed losing Clinton.
"He's been our best player for the past couple of years - he is our captain and we certainly didn't expect that to happen," Furner said.
"But we're a development club. You look at our history and we've never really attracted a big-name player in the 25 years of being in the top league.
"We're not the first choice for a lot of people in terms of lifestyle and where they want to live.
"The Gold Coast being admitted to the league has presented another challenge for us but it won't be the end of the world.
"Some clubs have geographic advantages, some don't. I can't help it if the weather is cold in Canberra.
"We're not on the beach at Manly with all that has to offer, but we are attractive to a lot of people.
"Some players don't like the hustle and bustle of city living in Sydney.
"We've got a fairly big catchment area in terms of juniors.
We try to lure young players from Queensland and we sign people who are looking for a chance in the NRL."
As well as the departure of Schifcofske, the Raiders will also lose experienced NRL stars Simon Woolford, Jason Smith, Michael Hodgson and Adam Mogg.
However, Mogg is currently attempting to manoeuvre his way out of his three-year contract with Super League club Les Catalans so that he can remain in Canberra.
And Raiders veteran Jason Croker will remain in the national capital for the 2007 season provided he fails to find a two-year deal at an English club.
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,19789678-23214,00.html
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so doesnt South Sydney have "the weather" and "the beaches" .. or maybe they dont have "the management" (until recently).
ohh Mr Hawkins/Furner how about down in Mexico ... huh, over there if you dont like "the weather" just wait 5 mins.
If this club was run by the likes Gould and Politis I dont think we'd be whinging about weather and beaches.