Whilst he has been shifted around a little bit so far in 2014, the effort of a player like Josh McCrone cannot be understated and as a result, he has re-signed with the Canberra Raiders.
The new deal will see the Raiders utility stay with the club until the end of 2016 and with 100 games to his name so far – and wanting to add more – the Country representative is maturing well as a player.
Able to cover five-eighth, halfback and the hooker role – the position he started in at the beginning of the season – the decision to stay was one that pleased McCrone.
“I’m pleased to have my future secure here in Canberra and I look forward to building on the new culture that Ricky Stuart has started here in Canberra,†he said.
“A number of great players have re-signed so far this year and I believe we have a team who can improve and become a finals contender.â€
A key part of the Raiders retention program has been retaining their quality juniors like McCrone.
With McCrone now re-signed, their focus shifts to other off-contract players.
As for the club, they know how crucial junior retention is and they are pleased to have secured McCrone, knowing how much he has given to the club.
“Josh has played over 100 NRL matches for the Raiders and is one of the team’s most consistent performers,†said Canberra Raiders CEO, Don Furner.
“He moved here from Temora in Country NSW and played his junior football with the club, before making his NRL debut in 2009.
“He can play in the halves or at hooker and we see his role as an important one for the Raiders over the next two seasons.â€