Canberra Raiders Captain Jarrod Croker is poised to become a Raider for life, after he announced he has re-signed with the club on a new four-year deal, which will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2024 season.
Croker, 29, made his debut for the Raiders in 2009, has played 257 matches for the Green Machine and is set to pass Jason Croker’s record of 318 matches during the term of his new contract.
With 1996 career NRL points Croker is also the leading point scorer for the club and leading try scorer for the club with 127 tries. He sits seventh on the list of all-time NRL point scorers and is on track to climb higher on this list.
The Goulburn junior was made captain of the club at the beginning of the 2015 season and has won a host of awards for the club including the Meninga Medal (2014) and club person of the year (2019). He was also named Dally M Captain of the Year in 2016.
Croker said signing the new deal on the eve of the new season was special for him and said he only ever wanted to re-sign with the club he loves.
“I’m a Raider and I always want to be a Raider,” Croker said. “I only ever want to play for one club in the NRL and that’s the Raiders and hopefully I can see out my career here.”
“I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to sign a new deal before the start of the season, and I know I now have to continue to work hard, play my best footy and not take this opportunity for granted.”
Croker said the goal for him was to now steer the side to a premiership and said the teams success last year would only continue with the right attitude and commitment.
“I want to win a premiership for this club and this community,” he said. “We had a great season in 2019 and it's up to me along with Josh Hodgson to help lead the team to another successful season.
“The squad has shown plenty of commitment and hard work during the pre-season and we know we’ve got plenty of hard work ahead.”
Raiders CEO Don Furner said the re-signing of Croker is something the whole club and community can be proud of and said his contribution on and off the field was the benchmark for the club.
“I’m really happy for Jarrod to re-sign and continue his wonderful career with our club,” Furner said. “His professionalism and commitment to his career is testament to his family and the way he represents himself and the club is the standard all players in our game should look to set.”
“He’s a local product who has worked hard to get himself into the NRL and establish an NRL career any player would be proud of. He’s already broken numerous records and he’s set to break more before his career is finished.”
