Tongue hopeful of fitness

Canberra skipper Alan Tongue is hopeful he can regain full fitness after suffering a series of minor injuries.

Tongue, 30, has only recently re-joined the Raiders squad for pre-season training but is ready to get back to his best.

“It’s been a frustrating pre-season for me leading up until Christmas but it’s great to be back into it now,” Tongue said.

“I’m probably not at 100 per cent fitness wise just yet but I’ll get there and it’s just great being back part of the main group.”

After exceeding all expecations in 2010, Tongue said the players are once again ready to come out fighting.

“We always set our expectations high heading into a new season as we did last year and we surprised some people with how well did, but at the same time we knew we were capable of going as well as we did,” he said.

“That’s no different heading into this year as we have once again set ourselves some high expectations and there’s confidence there.

“Having said that we know we need to keep working hard and working on our new combinations and if we can do that it will come together and we’ll achieve our goals.”

And the news that Canberra have recruited a highly-renowned premiership-winning playmaker in the shape of Matt Orford is only good news, according to Tongue.

“Matt’s experience will be invaluable for the team and I know the boys are really excited about having him come on board and learning as much as we can from him,”he said.

The Raiders kick off their pre-season trials with a friendly against Melbourne on February 19.