The Canberra Raiders and Canberra Milk have joined forces to honour local hero Ken Behrens for Friday night’s clash with Manly at Suncorp Stadium.
The iconic Canberra Milk logo on the front of the lime green jersey will instead read ‘Ken Behrens Milk’, with the Raiders to be known as the Ken Behren Raiders for the match.
Canberra are currently in ninth spot with just three rounds remaining and are hopeful the inclusion of the great Ken Behrens will give them the lift they need to make finals.
With the ACT doing it tough in midst of a COVID-19 outbreak, the change is hoped to bring a smile to the faces of many Canberrans stuck in lockdown.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart even paid special tribute to Behrens.
“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the situation back home and we want all of the ACT to know we are thinking of them at the moment,” Stuart said.
“To Ken and all Ken Behrens, we want to send our best wishes to you all and hope we can deliver some joy to you on Friday night.”
In some team news for the match, star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named on the bench as he makes his long awaited return from a neck injury, while captain Jarrod Croker is out with a knee injury.
Smith Shields and Mooney re-sign
The Raiders announced more good news this week with the re-signing of two young guns, Harley Smith Shields and Trey Mooney.
Smith-Shields has found a spot on the wing in the Raiders NRL side in recent weeks and his new two-year-deal will keep him in the nation’s capital until the end of 2023.
Mooney was an integral part of the Raiders SB Ball premiership side this season and has locked in for an extra three years to remain a Raider until the end of 2024.
Smith Shields said he was grateful to remain at his home-town club.
“I’m Grateful for my opportunity to re-sign with the Raiders for another two years, Canberra is home for me and always will be,” Smith-Shields said.
“I made my debut last year and I’ve had the chance to be part of the side for the past few weeks which has been a great experience.”
Mooney said he’s looking forward to getting to work over the next three years.
“I’ve enjoyed my time in Canberra since I arrived and it’s been a great opportunity to be a part of the NRL squad this year,” Mooney said.
“To have three more years locked in is something I’m really happy with and its now time for me to make my dreams a reality.”
