Despite the likelihood of missing this year’s final series, Canberra five-eighth Jason Smith has been hailed as the Raiders saviour this season. While Smith’s performance has been outstanding, earning him a place in Queensland’s preliminary State of Origin side earlier in the year, his age and previous injuries place a cloud over his ability to continue to perform.
With at best only one or two seasons left in him, Smith has decided to test his value on the open market. This raises the question as to whether the Raiders should up the ante in seeking to keep Smith. Given his previous injuries and the possibility of being forced out of the game with another debilitating injury, the Raiders should not place too much effort into securing Smith. A better investment would be to secure an established five-eight. Enter Brent Sherwin. The Canberra Times reports that the Raiders will seek to secure Brent Sherwin (former Dubbo junior) from the Canterbury Bulldogs if Jason Smith receives a better offer elsewhere.
The Raiders take on one of their hoodoo sides (the Melbourne Storm) this weekend. With only two players backing up from State of Origin commitments, and with Billy Slater in devastating form, the Storm will be tough opponents for the Raiders.
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