Whitehead wants fast start

Elliot Whithead says the Raiders can’t afford to start the 2017 NRL season slowly if they want to make the finals again.

Canberra finished second and then were knocked out by eventual grand finalists Melbourne.

“We’re confident; we had a disappointing end to the season but we’ve put that behind us,” Whitehead told raiders.com.au.

“We know we need to improve as a team and kick on and we don’t want to start slow. We need to train hard and keep the confidence rolling.”

Whitehead welcomed the recruitment of another Englishman in the shape of former St Helens player Jordan Turner.

“It makes it easier for me, there’s another guy that can understand me because no one else does!” Whitehead laughed.

“He’s settling in well and training hard and all the boys have accepted him so it’s good to have him on board.

“His utility is probably the main thing he can bring to the squad. He can play a few positions… we need a player like that that can fill a few positions and Jordan is perfect for that.”