After a rough injury-riddled debut year with the Canberra Raiders in 2024, Zac Hosking has finally hit 50 NRL games.

Hosking said it was more special to celebrate a milestone with another player, with rising star Kaeo Weekes also reaching half a century.

“It’s probably when you get there you sort of compare your journeys as well,” he told CD.

“And I know Kaeo is a few years younger than me.

“I didn’t debut until I was 25, so it’s a delayed sort of start to get there, so I’m pretty proud to reach 50.”

Hosking previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers since joining the first grade in the league in 2022.

The key forward joined the Raiders on a three-year deal from Penrith, making his club debut in round one against the Newcastle Knights in 2024. He even scored a try in the Raiders’ 28-12 victory over Newcastle.

“Last year was pretty rough – the major shoulder injury, and then I tore my calf just before Vegas [the Raiders’ 2025 season opener],” Hosking said.

“I was lucky to make that Vegas game and then broke my hand in round two.

“So yeah, I’ve said a few times, and people have said to me ‘that they come in threes’ so that’s my three out of the way and I’m just glad to put it all behind me now.”

In an interview with SEN in 2024, Hosking spoke about almost throwing the towel in on an NRL career in 2022. He was working as a full-time carpenter at the time.

“Yeah, it’s something that I look back on,” he told CD.

“I’m very glad that I took that one last chance up in Brisbane and it turned out really well for me.

“I wouldn’t change the whole process at all.

“I’ve got that trade behind me now and sort of experience that comes with that it’s sort of shaped personally, and today, of having to be resilient to finally get there in the end and now that I’m here.

“I’m just sort of relishing it (his NRL career) and I’m loving every minute.”

Hosking said while he wasn’t sure if his “body will let me do that” on a return to carpentry when he retires from the NRL, he said it was good to have that trade “ready to go”.

But it will be a while until he has to think about that after the Raiders announced in July 2025 that Hosking would remain with the club until the end of the 2028 season. He was already under contract until the end of 2026.

So far this year, Hosking has made 17 appearances, scoring five of his career tries in the 2025 season alone.

Hosking said it was great to have been able to play a “full season” this year.

“Last year was pretty rough and I only got the eight or nine games in,” he said.

“Whereas this year I’ve only missed sort of four from my broken hand.”

As a team, he said it was pleasing to be sitting at the top of the ladder.

“We’ve done really well to put ourselves in a good position this year and it’s up to us to capitalise on that,” he said.

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