Tom Starling re-signs with Canberra Raiders

Canberra Raiders have announced the re-signing of hooker Tom Starling on a two-year deal.

Since coming into the team in round 10, Starling has played all the remaining 11 matches of the regular season and is set to make his first NRL finals appearance against the Sharks on Saturday night at GIO Stadium.

He said: “I’m really happy to get the chance to extend my time in Canberra, especially since the Raiders are the club that gave me an opportunity to train last year and get myself into their squad.

“To sign for a further two years is really exciting, and I can’t wait to play in my first finals game this weekend.”

Head coach Ricky Stuart added: “It’s key position at hooker and when Josh was injured, there were a lot of heads that went down. I’m fortunate because I see what work Tommy does. I see all the hard work he puts in and the work he puts into the combinations with his halves.

“That’s a credit to him for sticking and committing to all his training and being patient. He got his crack and he’s got an extra two years out of that too. We’re very fortunate to have Tom Starling at the club.”