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Scott vs Leilua for Raiders centre spot

3 minute read

New Canberra recruit Curtis Scott is ready to compete with veteran Joey Leilua for the right centre position at the Raiders in 2020.

CURTIS SCOTT.
CURTIS SCOTT. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

New Canberra recruit Curtis Scott is ready to battle veteran centre Joseph Leilua for the right centre spot at Canberra in 2020.

The 22-year-old former Melbourne player has arrived at the Raiders and is expected to face Leilua - a veteran of 204 NRL games - for his favoured position.

While skipper Jarrod Croker and State of Origin winger Nick Cotric are set on the left there is a hole on the right wing with Jordan Rapana's departure to Japanese rugby.

But Scott made it quite clear where he'd rather be.

"I obviously prefer centre, I've played all of my footy at centre but whatever is best for the team," Scott said in his first interview in Raiders colours.

"I'm not too sure what Sticky's plans are with my positioning and around the side but whatever is best for the team.

"I'm sure he'll have his say when the pre-season finishes and whoever works the hardest will get the spot."

Scott's move to Canberra comes after a difficult season for the 2017 premiership winner, who played just nine NRL games in 2019 as he battled injury and off-field problems.

Scott admits he struggled in Melbourne being far away from his family in the Sutherland Shire but being just a car ride away in Canberra has eased his mind.

Although he was able to play finals and eventually was selected in the Prime Minister's XIII team at the end of the year, Scott said he was frustrated with his season and is ready for a fresh start at the Raiders.

"Just when you think you're going good and getting back on track, you get another little set back," he said.

"It just gets frustrating when you put your heart and soul into rugby league and you have niggling injuries that makes you miss important games.

"It's frustrating but now it's a new season and a fresh start."

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