Why Canberra great Jarrod Croker was surrounded by kids wearing headgear ahead of his 300th NRL game
Revealed: The touching reason why Canberra great Jarrod Croker is surrounded by kids in headgear ahead of his 300th game
- Jarrod Croker made NRL debut for Raiders in 2009
- Will chalk 300 games in lime green on Friday
- Known as a great ambassador for the game
Jarrod Croker becomes only the second Raiders player to make 300 NRL appearances this weekend – and many of his little fans will be on hand to celebrate the special occasion.
In the run-up to Friday’s game against the Warriors, a number of junior supporters went to the GIO Stadium to personally thank the center.
Each of the children wore a headgear that Croker handed them in previous games after his NRL debut in 2009.
The 32-year-old also took time this week to reflect on his impressive career, which included a Grand Final appearance in 2019 and representative teams for NSW Country, the Prime Minister’s XIII and NRL All Stars.
While the 14-8 defeat to the Roosters will haunt Croker forever, he is grateful for the memories professional rugby league has given.
Jarrod Croker becomes only the second Raiders player to make 300 NRL appearances this weekend – the first was his distant relative Jason Croker
In a touching tribute, many young Raiders fans who previously donated Croker’s iconic headgear (pictured above) made their way to Canberra’s GIO Stadium to meet their hero ahead of his 300th NRL match
And before he was judged by the Raiders, Croker was a proud member of the Goulburn Stockman, playing in the A-Grade men’s league at age 16.
“He put Goulburn on the map. Jarrod has always been himself and he’s been so well behaved, that’s what you want your town to represent,” local Jeremy Ryan told the ABC.
‘What you see is what you get, he’s the most humble, good guy from a great family, still great to have a beer with.
“He means a lot to this town.”
Former Raiders coach David Furner, who gave Croker his debut, will be in the audience as the big club records game 300.
“I still have a really good relationship with Jarrod and it’s a special bond.”
GIO Stadium is tipped to sell out as ACT residents personally toast Croker’s personal award.
And while Ricky Stuart received some criticism for turning down Croker’s latest start against the Tigers, reaching the milestone on home soil in front of family and friends is fitting for a man who bleeds green.