Ricky Stuart has dismissed criticism of his decision to rest Jarrod Croker so he can play his 300th game at home, declaring he made the call for the entire Canberra community.
The Raiders boss admitted it appeared a “selfish” move to pull veteran Croker out of Friday night’s clash with Wests Tigers, but said the 32-year-old would physically benefit from the week off.
Croker’s resting hasn’t hurt Canberra’s stocks too badly, still favourites to win at Campbelltown Stadium with Albert Hopoate shifting to the centres and Nick Cotric taking his spot on the wing.
It leaves Croker to find tip-top fitness for the following Friday night, where he’ll become just the second Raider in the NRL’s 300 club.
Stuart said he “didn’t make anything” of criticism the decision had put Croker ahead of the team, or that it disrespected the Tigers.
“It’s not nothing to do with who we play, it’s not being disrespectful … it’s for the whole community of Canberra,” he said.
“It’s about looking after Jarrod and making a decision where I think the community can get right behind one of our favourite sons.
“It’s a decision I’ve made for Jarrod from a physical point of view … (and) for the team in regards to where we’re at at the moment.
“I don’t feel like we’ve weakened the team, I feel we’re in a really good position from a whole organisation point of view going into next weekend.”
Jason Croker – a distant relation to Jarrod – is the only other Raider that’s topped 300 games, handed keys to the city in front of more than 21,000 fans at his last game in Canberra.
A similar crowd is expected for Jarrod Croker’s milestone, although Stuart reiterated the veteran centre had nothing to do with the call.
“He’ll do whatever he needs to do for the team. He’d be happy to play tomorrow,” he said.
“He’s not a selfish person, but I’ve made a selfish decision for Jared.
“Where he’s at physically at the moment, he will be better next week.”
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens said any perceived disrespect from resting Croker against his side wouldn’t affect their focus heading into an important fixture.
“That’s up to what they want to do,” he said.
“Our focus at the moment is they’re a very big, strong side.
“They carry the ball really well … they’re fifth in the game for yardage returns and their forward pack, led by (Josh) Papali’i, are big strong lads.
“We’ve got a big game to play so I’m not worried about who’s in and who’s out or what they do as far as Jarrod Croker.”
By Alex Mitchell in Canberra
