Canberra Raiders roster cleanout, Andrew Johns wants Nick Cotric position switch, Jack Wighton contract updates
League icon Andrew Johns has weighed in on the Raiders roster cleanout, highlighting which players he believes the club should keep as a part of their rebuild.
Ricky Stuart’s side has endured a slow start to the season and currently sits second-last on the NRL ladder after winning just one of its first five matches in 2023.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, Johns stated the importance of the Raiders’ forward pack, including Joseph Tapine.
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“Definitely, he’s the one,” Johns said.
“He’s a blue chip front-rower.”
Johns also believes Josh Papali’i has a few more quality years left in him adding that Jamal Fogarty should keep his position at halfback.
Five-eighth Jack Wighton blew the player market wide open last week when he opted not to activate a contract clause with the Raiders for next season.
Despite the freedom to explore his options, Johns believes the 2020 Dally M Medallist will eventually re-sign with Canberra after testing the market.
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”Jack Wighton looks like he’s going to sign for another four years,” he said.
While the Raiders are currently missing several outside backs, Johns rates Xavier Savage.
Johns believes Stuart’s side could be boosted by a position shift of winger Nick Cotric
“I think he should be moved to the centres,” he said.
“I don’t know how he defends there but he needs more ball.”
Cotric scored seven tries in 21 games last season, while also executing some big defensive plays.
Fiery forward Corey Horsburgh would also be retained if Johns had his way.
“I like him, the eighth Immortal said.
“He’s an emotional rollercoaster. He’s good to watch.
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“He’s borderline – sometimes you don’t know whether he is going to laugh or cry, or his head is going to blow off.”
Despite the Raiders’ lowly ladder position, Johns sympathised with the team due to being “decimated” by injuries.
”They’re in a hole at the moment,” Johns said.
“But it’s so hard to win without your best players. Their outside backs are decimated.”
The Raiders face a tough task to get their second win of the season as they travel to Brisbane to take on the undefeated Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
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