Canberra Raiders: Ryan Sutton excited for Rushton’s NRL debut

Canberra Raiders forward Ryan Sutton says he’s excited to see fellow Englishman Harry Rushton make his NRL debut.

Rushton, 20, will make his debut from the bench in the club’s clash with Penrith Panthers on Sunday.

Like Sutton, Rushton made the switch Down Under from Wigan. He signed a three-year deal with Canberra Raiders ahead of the 2021 season.

Impressing in the club’s New South Wales cup side, he has earned a call-up by head coach Ricky Stuart. He will become Raider #382 after being named on the bench with jersey 15.

Sutton, 26, joined Canberra ahead of the 2019 season. To date, he has made 60 NRL appearances, scoring three tries.

The prop forward has been named to start at loose forward for the Raiders for Sunday’s clash in Penrith.

Sutton on Harry Rushton’s Canberra Raiders debut

“I’m really looking forward to him getting a chance to play and see what he can do because he’s been knocking on the door for a few weeks now,” Sutton said.

“What Harry has done in NSW Cup is put in really good performances week in and week out. He’s come through the ranks at Wigan and he’s a tough kid, he knows what needs to be done.”

“He’s really good Harry and really good with the ball in hand, he’s a skilful player.

“He’s a confidence player as well and even though he’s young he is very confident in what he does and he’s been showing that in NSW Cup.”

Captain Elliott Whitehead will miss the fixture after he suffered a deep cut to his mouth in a training collision. 

Jordan Rapana replaces full-back Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who moves to the bench. Xavier Savage has been named on the wing. 

NRL: Herbie Farnworth returns, Rushton NRL debut & Hastings starts

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