FIRST there was Jason. Then came Jarrod. Now Canberra Raiders supporters ought to get used the idea of a third Croker making inroads at the club.
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Goulburn Bulldogs under 18s five-eighth Lachlan Croker this Sunday kicks-off the biggest opportunity in his young career.
The 17-year-old will steer NSW’s Combined Catholic College team around the park against the nation’s most promising young footballers at the Australian Schoolboy Championships in Cairns.
And while the event is a pointof- attraction to scouts from all 16 NRL clubs, there’s one entity already keen to secure Croker’s services.
The teenager was named the Raiders under 18s best and fairest footballer in May. He’s eligible to play for Canberra’s SG Ball team again in 2014.
He’s the nephew of the Raiders longest serving player, Jason Croker, and shares a surname with Canberra’s third highest point-scorer and current first grade starter, Jarrod.
The playmaker’s rise comes as little surprise to under 18s Bulldogs coach Steve Freebody.
“He’s unbelievably tough, he’s fast and he’s smart,” Freebody said.
“I think we might see another Raider with the last name Croker.”
Football in North Queensland is a welcome escape for the Trinity Catholic College student. The Bulldogs junior team has been denied a chance to string regular games together by the Canberra Region Rugby League.
It’s been 76 days since the Bulldogs kicked-off their 2013 season. In that period the under 18s have played just six times.
Croker didn’t feature in Goulburn’s 22-18 loss to West Belconnen last Sunday. It was the coach who insisted he sit the match out.
“It’s a golden opportunity to get picked up,” Freebody continued.
“At the end of the day every manager and every club will have scouts there. Lachlan’s in a good spot, because the Raiders already have claim to him… He can just go up there and enjoy his footy. No pressure.”
Nurturing young footballers is the prime reason Freebody gives up time to coach. Watching the teenager climb the ranks is an honour, he says.
“He’s a good kid and a good footballer.
You’d love to have a side full of Lachlans.”
