Both Joel Thompson and Josh Dugan insist they’re up to the challenge of new responsibilities in Canberra’s knockout NRL semi-final with South Sydney on Saturday.
Jarrod Croker’s fractured cheekbone suffered in Sunday’s 34-16 win over Cronulla has thrown up two dilemmas for Raiders coach David Furner given his dual role as left-side centre and sharp-shooting goalkicker.
Furner named an extended 20-man squad on Tuesday, moving Thompson from the back row and into Croker’s No.3 jersey but needs at least one more day before deciding whether Dugan, Reece Robinson or Blake Ferguson will assume goalkicking duties.
Dugan, who has a 68 per cent conversion rate at both under 20s and NRL level, would be the frontrunner despite flubbing all three of his shots against the Sharks after Croker – the NRL’s top pointscorer in 2012 – was carried off.
The trio of candidates will battle it out in a session with ex-goalkicking ace Daryl Halligan at Raiders headquarters on Wednesday before Furner makes his decision.
“It’d put a few minds at ease if he told us straight out, but having that kick-off tomorrow or whatever he’s got planned, that will decide who’s the better,” Dugan told AAP.
“I’m pretty confident I’d be able to handle it, but anyone who gets the job is capable of doing it and doing it well.”
Dugan, who’s had an injury-marred season as well as trouble off the field, insisted he was ready to take on the extra responsibility on top of his job to get one over star Rabbitohs fullback Greg Inglis.
Last time Canberra took on the Rabbitohs, Dugan watched the game on television from his Canberra home after being suspended by the club for drinking while recovering from injury.
Ferguson also missed the game after going to training still under the influence.
“It was disappointing to see the boys go down and know that you weren’t able to help them out, so I’ll be looking to make up for that this weekend – and I know Fergo will be as well,” said Dugan.
“And it’s an even bigger occasion knowing that if we win this we’re one away from a grand final.”
Thompson, meanwhile, was embracing the challenge of being named in the centres.
“I’ve had two seasons there in first grade, so I’m pretty confident,” he said.
“I’ve played the left side all year, so it’s all pretty similar.”
Also a plus for the Raiders was the inclusion of young winger Jack Wighton, who’s in line for a potential return more than three months since breaking his toe in a freak trampolining accident.
Ironically it was also just before the South Sydney clash, which the Raiders lost 36-18 at ANZ Stadium.
Furner agreed losing Croker, one of the Raiders’ best this year, was a nightmare situation.
“It is, but probably more so for Crokes,” said Furner.
“I’d much rather have him there, but the reality is we don’t and the Souths are in a similar position as well.”
He was adamant the Rabbitohs still have plenty of strike power despite the loss of centre Matt King with a broken arm.
“There’s no vulnerability there,” Furner said.