Star Raider responds to best friends’ contract rumours
Sebastian Tan |
Canberra winger Xavier Savage will support his “best mate” if he chooses to move across the ditch, but admits losing him will cause some strife.
Reports have emerged that outside back Sebastian Kris is looking to join the Warriors and could leave his contract at the end of this NRL season if he secures a deal.
The speculation comes as Canberra grapple with a flurry of players leaving or rumoured to be departing, which was underlined by forward Morgan Smithies signing with the Perth Bears on Thursday.
Inspirational leader Josh Papali’i is in his final year at the club, while the Raiders are desperate to lock down barnstorming second-rower Hudson Young beyond next season.
Kris, who played a part in Canberra’s historic minor premiership last year, hasn’t shone as brightly this campaign because of a series of injuries.
“Whatever he chooses to do, he’ll always be my best mate. But, it’d be good to have him stay here at the club and always see him every day,” Savage said.
“I know it’s the way that the game rolls these days, and people have to make decisions for themselves and where they’re going to be happiest because your mental health comes first.
“Whatever he chooses to do, I’ll support him 100 per cent.”
Savage is more focused on Sunday’s game against Newcastle, which the Raiders (9-11) must win if they are to have any hope of posting a winning record.
After a demoralising 42-18 loss to Penrith last Saturday, the Green Machine risk becoming the first team in a decade to miss out on finals the year after claiming the minor premiership.
But in some welcome news, Canberra will be boosted by the return of centre Simi Sasagi from a hamstring strain.
“He’s a player that’s so diverse … He always plays at 110 per cent. He’s just a hard worker, and he just gives me so much confidence,” Savage said.
“When things don’t go right, he’s always lifting the energy and setting the standard when we run out there.”
Wet conditions are forecast at GIO Stadium, which could affect the Raiders’ signature quick and hard running game, but winger Jed Stuart thinks otherwise.
“We’ll probably still back our skill, whether it’s wet or not,” Stuart said.
“It’ll probably change the game a little bit, and there’ll probably be a bit more errors and it’ll be a slower game.”
AAP