In 2024, young and a potent forward pack will lead the Raiders.
Star backrower Hudson Young is eager to get back on the field and take the lead after missing last week’s trial victory over the Parramatta Eels.
Young, who was impressed by the younger Raiders team’s performance in Kogarah last week, believes that the key to unlocking their youthful spine is the experienced forward pack.
“Hopefully, they will depend on us to lead them around the park, as they have a tender spine this year.” Going forward, we’ll be taking charge of that division and setting the example,” Hudson declared.
With Jamal Fogarty sitting out the trial, the Raiders will field a nearly full strength lineup, enabling Kaeo Weeks and Ethan Strange to split time in the halves once more.
Young was pleased with the young couple’s performance, and this weekend will give them more chances to grow as a team.
They’re just spontaneous and incredibly exciting. Being football players, they dislike excessive structure. They seemed to have excellent game control for such young players. stated Young.
Hudson has noticed that there is competition for spots among the outside backs, citing head coach Ricky Stuart’s remarks at the start of the preseason that “no position is guaranteed for round one.”
James Schiller was really good last week, so I’m excited to play with him again. Both he and Xavier have had an excellent preseason, perhaps their best to date, according to Young.
“At the beginning of the preseason, Stick stated that no spot was guaranteed, and it still feels that way, especially in light of how all the younger boys performed over the weekend.”
Hudson will get his first taste of the 2024 season this weekend at Seiffert Oval against the North Queensland Cowboys, with the primary goal being to establish his rhythm.
“I plan to return to the field, play some football, and establish some rhythm before moving on to the first round. I’m just trying to get out there and, hopefully, start playing as soon as I can.
After participating in games one and two of the previous season’s series, Young made his debut as a representative for New South Wales in 2023. This season, he clearly wanted to return to the arena.
“It’s my annual goal to, hopefully, return to playing quality football. That will hopefully stem from the team’s success, but you never know,” Young stated.
