NRL expert Phil Gould has described Canberra’s decision to rest Jarrod Croker this Friday as “interesting” with the club intending on celebrating his 300th match at home against the Warriors on June 9.
Croker’s return to the Raiders side has rejuvenated the Green Machine, with the team currently sitting seventh on the ladder thanks to an upset 33-26 win over the Rabbitohs.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart confirmed the move in the post-match press conference at the weekend, describing it as a way to look after the club’s loyal fans.
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“It’s no disrespect to the Tigers … I’m putting respect for our game in regards to this bloke beside me because he totally deserves it and so do our fans down at Canberra,” he said.
“Make sure you Canberra fans buy your tickets early, I want to break a ground record.”
While opting not to criticise the decision, Gould suggested it could be a risk.
“It’s an interesting one … and Jarrod Croker obviously they’d love to celebrate in front of the home crowd, but is it risking two premiership points not playing your best side against the Tigers this weekend?” he asked on Nine’s 100% Footy.
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“It’s one I would probably normally leave to the player for a milestone like that but Ricky Stuart would have his reasons and I think they just want the special occasion for Jarrod Croker playing at a home crowd and they believe he deserves that.”
Gould added the club could still have found a way to acknowledge the occasion, despite the Raiders playing away from home this Friday.
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“If he was to play this week against the Tigers and get injured I still can’t understand why they couldn’t celebrate the 300th at home the following week regardless,” he said.
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“It’s an interesting one, I’m not going to criticise it. I don’t think I would do it, I would leave it up to the player, I think the player would prefer to play but that’s just my opinion.”
Former Queensland prop Darryl Brohman went on to state “it’s highly unusual”, to which Gould agreed.
“Their form has improved since he’s been in the side,” Brohman added.
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