BY DAN

You better not shout, you better not cry, because reports have emerged that Zac Hosking of the Panthers toured the Raiders’ facility. These same reports suggest a log-jam at the position in Penrith is pushing him out, and that he may angle for an immediate transition. An early Christmas present might be delivered to the Raiders.

Canberra, of course, have the need and wherewithal. Elliott Whitehead has confirmed what Sticky already told everyone, and his ageing body was already making him a luxury rather than the staple he’d so long been. Corey Harawira-Naera’s future is in the hands of the stars and medical professionals. The departures of Harley Smith-Shields and Brad Morkos means they have plenty of space in their top 30, and one would assume they have the cap space. In short – their arms are as open as a mum ready to comfort an upset toddler.

For the Raiders Hosking fills a hole. Not with the glory and thunder of targets past, but with a more honest and reliable meter. He runs strong lines, something the Milk were acutely aware of in their thumping loss to the Panthers last year. He’ll defend all eighty minutes. He’ll probably never turn a match on its head, but he’ll never be the reason one was turned the other way. He also offers agility and utility – an ability to cover multiple positions in the backrow, but also into the backline (there were games where he covered centre for the ‘Riff). It’s exactly the kind of thing they had previously relied on Whitehead and Harawira-Naera to do (with obviously a little less skill).

In his time with both the Broncos and the Panthers (and a bit with the Knights, add him to the pile) he showed a clean defensive ability. His tackle efficiency was 91 per cent in 2023 (or 94 if you use NRL stats). This was 16th among backrowers and much better than any Raider in a similar position (insert caveat about of course players in good defensive systems are going to have better records than players in bad defensive systems). His attack, while not exciting, was reliable. He can hit a line and break a tackle. Jamal Fogarty will enjoy having him off his shoulder.

For Hosking it’s the opportunity to be an every-down backrower. To have an unquestioned pathway to a permanent starting role. Penrith have an unending list of talent pushing into their side, and there’s no job security there. Canberra, for better or worse, has a backrow depth chart that resembles my bank balance. At worst Hosking would be next cab off the rank. At best he’ll be starting every week.

It would be a quality signing if the Milk can pull it off. It’s not sexy, not the big name they’ve been hoping for, or the young talent thieved from the backrow factory at the Cows. But they’ve proven in recent years they don’t need a barnstormer on the right edge. They just need someone that can defend, support, and make sure that the ball can get into Matt Timoko’s hands when needed. Hosking can do that role, and sometimes that’s as important as more nebulous ideas of talent or upside.

A signature like this also doesn’t preclude the Raiders from still shopping. Hosking won’t cost a big number, and even after securing him they could still go shopping in the North Queensland roster if they want. They’ll have the roster and cap space after this, and the utility offered by Hosking means that if they get a higher potential player they can just shift Zac to another function. I’m not saying they’ll do that – but it doesn’t mean they have to stand pat.

The other interesting bit is the Raiders increasing emphasis on agile and multiple-use players in their pack. Sasagi, Smithies and Hosking are all players that can cover a multitude of roster sins, adding work rate to a side that has tended to have not enough in recent years. Add Hohepa Puru into that mix and suddenly the Canberra forward pack is looking positively spry. It’s a good balance for the talent they already have in the system. If there’s a concern about getting too small I would point to Mariota and Mooney as helpful counterweights (presuming they keep Trey – lord knows i’m waiting for news on that).

Here’s hoping the Raiders get a deal done, if only so we can stop worrying about what’s going to happen if Smelly gets injured, or finds himself in football Elysium. Hosking would represent a good step forward, one that means key needs are met without ruling out other pathways. It’s smart business if they can get it done.

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