The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders are set to receive a significant boost ahead of their round 20 clash against the Warriors, with the timely return of injured duo Jamal Fogarty and Zac Hosking.
The 11th-placed Raiders have been struggling with a string of disappointing losses, having lost six of their last nine games.
Prior to the dynamic duo’s injuries, the Raiders were in their best form of the season, finding themselves third on the ladder after round six.
Hosking was a standout performer for the Raiders in 2024, scoring two tries in five appearances and making 142 tackles with 95% efficiency.
The most disappointing part for myself is that it was the best footy I’ve played in the NRL so far
Jamal Fogarty on his start to the 2024 season. #384
As both players look to make their return in next week, they’re bringing a renewed energy to break the ugly losing streak and get the Raiders back in the top eight.
The Raiders have been without Fogarty since he ruptured his bicep in a tackle against Brisbane winger Corey Oates in the round seven clash against Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Hosking was sidelined with a dislocated shoulder which he obtained the week prior, in the round six clash against the Titans at home. The second rower suffered ligament damage to his shoulder as a result and has been on the road to recovery since.
Despite the setback, Fogarty has kept motivated by looking forward to bringing his energy and skill back to the field.
“It’s been mentally refreshing to be able to come in and train without the pressure of rolling out on the weekend.
“Hopefully that will have put me in good stead to come back in because I’m feeling fresh, I haven’t played a lot of footy [this season] so I’m pretty excited.
“I’ve worked pretty hard on my kicking game, so I’d like to help the boys out there in resetting the game in certain areas of the field to give ourselves the best chance to defend the opposition,” Fogarty said.
Initially, the prospect of a long recovery was daunting for Hosking, however, the possibility of returning this season also provided a crucial motivational boost.
“The fact that I knew I could be back this year, made it a bit easier to knuckle down and get stuck into the rehab process.
“The boys have had a huge year and could probably use some guys who are a bit fresher to come in and pick up the intensity …and carry a bit of the load for the guys who have been hanging on for a while there through bumps and bruises,” Hosking added.
Zac and Jamal have admitted they’ve found strength in their shared rehab experience and have been able to bounce off of each other during their recovery process.
“[Zac’s] very similar to myself in that he’s a very passionate footballer and he likes to train hard. There’s been a couple of times in rehab where we’ve had crap days, we’ve picked each other up," Fogarty shared.
We’ve had some very tough sessions together; I think having to do those sessions by myself would’ve been much harder, so having Jamal there with me has been really good
Zac Hosking on leaning on one another throughout rehab. #393
Looking ahead to round 20, both players are excited to get back on the field and reset the Raiders outlook for the rest of the season.
“We’ve had this date pencilled in for a long time, hoping to be back,” said Hosking.
“It’s been very tough sitting out and not being able to have a say in the results of some of the games… I’m excited to get back out there to the Viking Clap and get another win.”
All eyes will be on the dynamic duo as they prepare to face the Warriors this Friday night at GIO Stadium, Canberra.
