Canberra have a plan to fill departing five-eighth Jack Wighton’s boots for next NRL season, but coach Ricky Stuart is keeping those cards close to his chest.
Young backup half Brad Schneider is off to Super League club Hull KR and Stuart squashed speculation fullback Sebastian Kris could move to No.6, leaving the Raiders in desperate need of a playmaker when Dally M medallist Wighton heads to South Sydney.
Long-time backup Matt Frawley appears the leading candidate for the job, with the Raiders not currently linked to any external candidates in what Stuart admits is an increasingly barren marketplace.
“We’ve got youth coming through so we’re going to keep developing our youth, but there’s not a lot of options out there,” he said.
“And we’re not going to waste a top-30 spot (and) all the money in regards to that announcement looking really good in the media for two weeks and then that player doesn’t fit the jumper or the position.
“We have got a plan and we’ve got to keep working towards it, but when you’re recruiting things change every week to month so what’s available today, or what’s not available today … may be available in November, December, February next year.
“It’s just an ongoing business.”
Canberra’s NSW Cup has tried six different five-eighths this season with 18-year-old former Sydney Rooster Ethan Strange perhaps the pick of the bunch.
Stuart confirmed the club’s links to Gold Coast superstar David Fifita, the second-rower reportedly able to become a free agent due to a contract clause triggered by former coach Justin Holbrook’s sacking.
Fifita rejected a bumper deal from the Raiders earlier this season and re-signed with the Titans, but Canberra have reportedly increased their offer with their second chance.
“Did you see him play last week? He’s a wonderful player, which is why we chased him,” Stuart said.
“We haven’t put another contract in front of him, but if he was to become available we will most definitely be interested.
“It’s up to his management and David to exercise the option, so the ball is in their court in regards to that.”
Sitting fifth on the table, the Raiders are warm favourites to beat St George Illawarra on Friday night, particularly with the Dragons missing captain and star halfback Ben Hunt.
But Canberra have selection issues of their own with the unavailability of forward trio Josh Papali’i, Corey Horsburgh and Pasami Saulo placing pressure on young props Ata Mariota, Trey Mooney and Peter Hola to make big contributions.
By Alex Mitchell in Canberra
