Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Hooker Tom Starling has lashed out at criticism surrounding Canberra’s young halfback Ethan Sanders, saying it’s not his fault the Raiders’ campaign is in tatters.
The Green Machine’s minor premiership defence has been one to forget, with the club in danger of becoming just the third team in the NRL era to miss out on finals the year after finishing first in the regular season.
Their poor form, which has them languishing in 14th spot, follows coach Ricky Stuart’s decision to thrust Sanders into the No.7 jersey when Jamal Fogarty left for Manly in the off-season.
Sanders was always going to attract scrutiny, having played just four top-flight games before this year, but the 22-year-old silenced critics when he slotted the winning field goal in the Raiders’ 29-28 victory over the Sea Eagles in round one.
He hasn’t been able to maintain that momentum, while former Brisbane player Coby Black is finding form in Canberra’s NSW Cup squad.
“I know it’s probably easy to point a finger at Ethan, but Ethan’s not out there dropping the balls and giving the penalties away. Ethan’s doing a great job for us,” Starling told AAP.
“There are probably comparisons out there, but … he’s going to be the No.7 for a long time at the club.
“Everyone’s probably going to be talking about last year. We’re a different team than last year.
Starling himself is in a fight to keep his starting hooker jersey, as the Raiders have Jayden Brailey and Owen Pattie at their disposal.
The 28-year-old had started almost every game until round 16, but Stuart admitted he had seen a drop in Starling’s energy and physicality in recent weeks.
It led to Pattie being parachuted into the starting hooker position for the past two rounds.
“I personally love waking up battered and bruised. It’s why I play. I love that physicality part of it,” Starling said.
“I’ve done it (been on the bench) before, and Stick (Stuart) said it’s what is best for the team.
“Owen is a great young talent. He’s going to have a long career here at the Raiders, and in the NRL.”
Canberra have a bye this round, and Starling believes it’s come at a good time as the side looks to freshen up before the finals run-in, where they’ll need to win almost every game to put themselves in top-eight contention.
The Raiders are expecting inspirational prop Josh Papali’i (calf) and barnstorming second-rower Noah Martin (ankle) to return for their July 11 clash against Canterbury, with Englishman Matty Nicholson available the following week.
