‘I’ll get too emotional’: Canberra’s radical plan to honour Croker revealed as club eyes ground record

Ricky Stuart has urged every Raiders fan in Canberra to buy a ticket for the Round 15 match against the Warriors as the club looks to break a GIO Stadium ground record to celebrate Jarrod Croker’s 300th game in the NRL.

The Raiders coach announced on Saturday night that Croker won’t play in next Friday’s game against the Wests Tigers, with the club keen to honour him properly in front of their home fans when he brings up the 300 game milestone.

He will become just the second Raiders player after Jason Croker to bring up the milestone, with the veteran centre already the club’s leading point scorer and try scorer.

“I think he deserves, and I believe all our loyal supporters in Canberra deserve to see Jarrod play live for his 300th game so I won’t be picking Jarrod next week against the Tigers,” Stuart said following the 33-26 win over Souths.

“It’s not Jarrod’s call. He’s happy to do whatever’s best for the team.

“It’s no disrespect to the Tigers, especially after their last performance. I know how well they’ve been going over the last month, so we’re certainly not taking our foot off the pedal.

“I’m putting respect before our game next week in regards to this bloke beside me because he totally deserves it, and so do our fans down in Canberra.

“Make sure our Canberra fans go out and buy a ticket early because we want to break a ground record.”

Croker has played his entire career with the Green Machine and was part of the Toyota Cup side that won the inaugural competition in 2008.

He got emotional speaking about what the achievement will mean after several serious injuries in recent years, but he’s also excited about what it will mean for his family who have supported him every step of the way.

It could also be bad news for the Warriors considering Croker has scored more tries (18) and more points (198) against them than any other club he’s played against.

“Everyone knows what this jersey and this club means to me. I’ve spent more than half my life here. I wear this jersey with so much pride and I try to do the best thing I can for the club and the team,” he said.

“I appreciate the fact that I’m able to do it at home in a couple of weeks’ time.

“I know it wouldn’t have bothered a lot of the players and my family because they would have flown to New Zealand if they had to, but I’m sure they’ll appreciate only having to go up the road.

“Even talking about it now, I think you understand how much it means to me, and not only me but my family as well and the boys and the club.

“I don’t want to keep talking because I’ll get too emotional.”