Best 17s of the NRL era: Canberra Raiders

We’re counting down every club’s best 17 in the NRL era.

Up next is the Raiders, here is their best line-up over that period:

1. Clinton Schifcofske 2001-06, 139 games, 44 tries

Tasked with the unenviable assignment of replacing the elusive Brett Mullins, Schifcofske was ever-present in the Raiders line-up for six years, notching up 1062 points and achieving rep duties with Queensland while at the club.

2. Joel Monaghan 2001-04, 2008-2010, 129 games, 69 tries

Monaghan came through the Canberra ranks alongside his brother Michael in 2001, and quickly found his feet within a couple of years. His 21 tries in 22 games in 2003 helped secure a semi-final berth. Returned to the club after a short stint with the Roosters and was so good that he earned NSW and Kangaroos jumpers.

3. Jarrod Croker 2009-current, 250 games, 122 tries

The heart and soul of the Green Machine, Jarrod is in his 11^th season with the Raiders and is fast approaching 2000 points with the club. Croker has made the no.3 jumper his own over the last decade, playing less than 21 games in a season just once. He’s second in all-time appearances for Canberra and behind his namesake Jason by one in tries scored for the club.

4. Jack Wighton 2012-current, 149 games, 44 tries

Wighton has endured more than his fair share of off-field drama over the last couple of years but in 2019 he has overcome it, making a shift from fullback to five-eighth and getting his first Origin call-up to boot. An incredibly versatile utility back that is highly valued by his coach and teammates.

5. Jordan Rapana 2014-current, 107 games, 68 tries

Rapana debuted at the Titans in 2008 before spending five years out of the game. He returned with Canberra in 2014 and cemented himself on the wing in 2015. Had a real breakout season in 2016, equaling the top try-scorer with 23 tries as his side finished second. He proved it was no fluke by scoring 21 tries the following season.

6. Blake Austin 2015-18, 88 games, 34 tries

Blake Austin was a utility struggling to nail down a spot at Penrith and then the Tigers before he found a home in the no.6 jumper at Canberra. Austin caught the eye of many in his first season with blistering speed and a killer step, and he only improved the following year, helping his side to a huge charge into the finals. Won the Dally M Five Eighth of the year in 2015.

7. Mark McLinden 1998-2004, 165 games, 65 tries

A versatile and diminutive little player, McLinden was capable of playing anywhere across the backline but it was in the halves where Mark made the most of his NRL appearances. He was a natural try-scorer too, scoring 65 tries in his 165 games, and scoring at least 10 in a season on four occasions.

8. Ruben Wiki 1998-2004, 147 games, 26 tries

The Kiwi legend recently added to the Rugby League Hall of Fame started off as a big, hulking centre before he made the transition into the forwards. Wiki was always an extremely fit footballer who had no problems with his tough workload and was outstanding in lifting his team.

9. Josh Hodgson 2015-current, 101 games, 12 tries

The crafty little hooker played the switch from the Super League to the NRL in 2015 and wasted no time in endearing himself to Canberra fans. Had a solid debut season but it was 2016 where he experienced a breakout year and threatened to take out the Dally M. His role in the team is severely missed whenever he’s not in the side.

10. David Shillington 2009-15, 131 games, 5 tries

Shillington slid under the radar in four years at the Roosters but he was recognised as a quality front rower when he made the switch to Canberra. A great individual debut season in 2009 led to Queensland and Australia call-ups where he quickly cemented himself in both sides over the next few years. Spent seven years at the club and was unlucky to only feature in finals twice.

11. Josh Papalii 2011-current, 190 games, 44 tries

Papalii has been a loyal servant to the club that gave him his debut in 2011 despite being chased by other clubs early in his career. He’s been a consistent performer for the Raiders for nine years now, and barely misses a game. The big man is no slouch when it comes to finding the try-line for a forward either, averaging 5 tries a season.

12. David Furner 1998-2000, 74 games, 14 tries

Furner only played three years at Canberra in the NRL era, but he still managed 74 of his 200 Canberra appearances in that time, helping them to finals appearances in 1998 and 2000. His good form at the back end of his career with the Raiders resulted in his selection in the 2000 NSW Origin whitewash.

13. Jason Croker 1998-2006, 181 games, 52 tries

He may have achieved more success at club level prior to the NRL era, however Croker’s influence and leadership only got better as his career went on. Croker played almost everywhere on the park in his career but it was the back row where he eventually found a home with his heavy workload.

14. Simon Woolford 1998-2006, 192 games, 35 tries

A tenacious and gritty little hooker that only stands at 5ft9in, Woolford is a Canberra legend. He spent 13 years at Canberra before finishing up at the Dragons but he was a one club man at heart. Notched up almost 200 games for Canberra from 1998 to 2006, and his constant presence in the side helped guide the team to three consecutive finals appearances from 02-04.

15. Elliott Whitehead 2016-current, 94 games, 24 tries

Only in his fourth year at the club but such is the style and class he’s brought to the side that he has to be included in this 17. A brilliant back-rower, the Pom debuted for Canberra in their whirlwind 2016 season and has only missed one game since Round 1 of that year. Second row by trade but also capable of filling in at lock, five-eighth or in the centres.

16. Shaun Fensom 2009-16, 139 games, 14 tries

A veteran of eight years for the Raiders from 2009-16, Fensom became quickly known for being a workhorse and making large tackle numbers each game. Fensom possessed the work ethic of a forward desired by all coaches in the league however he was let go by Canberra at the end of 2016 before he moved to Townsville.

17. Alan Tongue 2000-11, 220 games, 31 tries

Alan Tongue was yet another classic one-club man that Canberra produced. Tongue came onto the scene in 2000 and was mainly a lock but played a fair bit of second row and hooker in his career as well. He was a player full of hunger and commitment that deserved more recognition throughout his time playing. Retired after 12 years and at the age of only 31.

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