He might not be the starting hooker but for Kurt Baptiste, being in the side and performing a role when called upon is just fine with him.
Baptiste, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2016, has re-signed with the club for a further two seasons.
Playing in 24 matches for the Raiders in 2016, his liveliness and spark off the bench was crucial and the man himself is looking forward to continuing at the Green Machine.
“It’s great to get it organised and I’m really looking forward next two years and grateful for the opportunity the Raiders have given me,” Baptiste said.
“This will take me to five years in total with the club and I’ve really found a home her in Canberra.”
Baptiste knows that Josh Hodgson is the number one hooker at the Raiders but he is just keen to perform when needed and play his best.
“Josh is obviously the number one hooker, but I’m looking forward to staying in the side and hopefully being there for round one,” he said.
“There’s plenty of depth in the team and there will be guys fighting for positions right across the park.”
The club are pleased to have retained Baptiste, knowing just how crucial he was to their team last year.
“Kurt was an integral part of our squad in 2016, and he will play a big role in our plans moving forward in the next two years,” said Raiders NRL Recruitment and High Performance Director.
“Each year he has managed to improve his game in all facets, and that desire to continually improve rubs off on the rest of the squad.
“Our roster is almost completely locked up now until 2018, which we believe will give us the best possible shot at achieving success on the field.”