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The battle to play Raiders half
BY CHRIS DUTTON
02 Feb, 2010 09:08 AM
Two players, one starting spot and one contract up for grabs Josh McCrone and Marc Herbert are locked in an intense battle to extend their respective Canberra Raiders careers.And the only thing Canberra coach David Furner reckons he hasn't seen his two halfbacks do to prove they deserve the No7 jumper is stand toe-to-toe in a boxing ring.
With the Raiders' NRL season-opener a month away, Furner is still undecided on who will partner Terry Campese in the halves.
It's a crucial combination he's desperate to get right as the Raiders set about turning potential into success.
Adding spice to the selection battle is the fact McCrone and Herbert are in the last seasons of their contracts, with the Raiders likely to only keep one. It's a motivating factor Furner is certain will bode well for the rest of the team.
''I've already witnessed that in the pre-season,'' Furner said. ''They're [McCrone and Herbert] running against each other and each year there's always someone that wants to take your spot.
''You've got to try and beat the other one and that's what they've been doing competing.
''Bar putting them in the ring with gloves on, they've definitely been going at each other for that spot.''
After Herbert was struck down by frustrating ankle and hand injuries last season, McCrone grabbed his opportunity to play first grade with both hands.
CANBERRA RAIDERS TRIAL MATCHES
February13: v Western Suburbs Magpies (NSW Cup) at West Belconnen, 6pm;
February20: v Brisbane Broncos at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane;
February27: v Canterbury Bulldogs at APEX Oval, Dubbo.
BY CHRIS DUTTON
02 Feb, 2010 09:08 AM
Two players, one starting spot and one contract up for grabs Josh McCrone and Marc Herbert are locked in an intense battle to extend their respective Canberra Raiders careers.And the only thing Canberra coach David Furner reckons he hasn't seen his two halfbacks do to prove they deserve the No7 jumper is stand toe-to-toe in a boxing ring.
With the Raiders' NRL season-opener a month away, Furner is still undecided on who will partner Terry Campese in the halves.
It's a crucial combination he's desperate to get right as the Raiders set about turning potential into success.
Adding spice to the selection battle is the fact McCrone and Herbert are in the last seasons of their contracts, with the Raiders likely to only keep one. It's a motivating factor Furner is certain will bode well for the rest of the team.
''I've already witnessed that in the pre-season,'' Furner said. ''They're [McCrone and Herbert] running against each other and each year there's always someone that wants to take your spot.
''You've got to try and beat the other one and that's what they've been doing competing.
''Bar putting them in the ring with gloves on, they've definitely been going at each other for that spot.''
After Herbert was struck down by frustrating ankle and hand injuries last season, McCrone grabbed his opportunity to play first grade with both hands.
CANBERRA RAIDERS TRIAL MATCHES
February13: v Western Suburbs Magpies (NSW Cup) at West Belconnen, 6pm;
February20: v Brisbane Broncos at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane;
February27: v Canterbury Bulldogs at APEX Oval, Dubbo.