Two Canberra Raiders young guns have re-committed to the club with Sebastian Kris and Xavier Savage signing contract extensions.
Kris has signed a three-year extension which will see him remain a Raider until at least the end of 2024, while Savage will remain in Canberra until at least the end of the 2023 season after signing on for two more years.
Debuting for the Green Machine in 2019, Kris took the 2020 season off before returning in style this season.
The three-year extension marks a meteoric rise for Kris after signing a train-and-trail contract over the pre-season that he was able to turn into a spot in the Raiders’ NRL 30-man squad.
“I was grateful for the opportunity to come back in even as just a train-and-trial contact and I’m grateful for where I am now,” he said.
“I’ve just been very grateful and very happy these last six-to-eight months.”
Since being elevated into the Raiders top 30 squad at the start of the season he has scored five tries in 13 matches so far in his breakout season. He said he was thrilled to stay with the club.
“I’m over the moon that I’m able to stay at this club. I love the club and the players,” Kris said.
“I’m looking forward to putting on the green jersey many more times.”
Savage has continued his rise through the ranks and even earned himself one of the more interesting NRL debuts recently.
Named 18th man against the Dragons in Round 15, Savage was incorrectly brought on for the injured Kris at half time by Ricky Stuart. The mistake was then picked up by the NRL match officials and Savage was forced to come from the field after playing his first 12 minutes in the top grade.
“I knew that would happen to me. Crazy stuff like that always happens to me,” he smiled.
“I was still very happy that I got a taste of NRL and it just makes me even hungrier for what’s to come over the next two years.”
Having signed a development contract with the Green Machine as a 17-year-old from far-north Queensland, Savage has risen through the club’s playing ranks quickly.
He was part of the Raiders’ SG Ball winning side this year before making his NSW Cup debut too.
“It’s been a very hectic year actually,” he said, “I’m very excited for the next two years, it’s a great club.”
The effort and application Savage has dedicated to his football hasn’t been lost on head coach Ricky Stuart. Savage said ‘Sticky’ has told him to “keep working hard and competing at training for that position” in the first-grade side.
“He said that was why he gave me that 18th man spot … Sticky’s been great.”
“I’m really happy to re-sign with the club. They have been very good to me for my development,” Savage said.
Raiders CEO Don Furner said it was great to see some of the club’s pathway players continue to develop.
“It’s always wonderful to see players who have played in our pathways system take the next step and become part of the NRL squad,” Furner said.
“The club is excited to secure both Sebastian and Xavier on new deals to keep them in Canberra.”
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