Canberra Raiders officials have opted to fly the team to Wollongong for Saturday's crucial clash against St George Illawarra in a major boost for coach Ricky Stuart's game-day preparation.
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The club will fund the expedited trip which will slash up to two hours of travel time with Stuart's men needing a win to maintain their flickering top-four aspirations.
Canberra's squad will take the estimated 55-minute fly to Shellharbour Airport on Saturday morning, before catching a bus back to the capital after the clash.
It could prove a prudent financial investment for the club as it eyes wins against the Dragons, New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks to close out the regular season.
Stuart has battled an horrific injury list this season, which hasn't been helped by having to adhere to severe COVID-19 protocols, and brutal stints of same-day travel.
Three of Canberra's last four matches have been played at home, but prior to that they endured two Sydney trips and a marathon journey to Townsville in a sapping four-round stretch.
"Moving into the playoffs it is crucial we do what we can to keep the boys fresh and invigorated," Stuart said.
"Having the club cover the costs for us to fly the team to Wollongong just shows the importance the club puts into the players welfare and our preparation at a very critical part of the season.
"The injuries that we have sustained and the list of players who have been and still are sitting on the sidelines has put an enormous amount of extra loads on a number of the boys, especially our forwards.
"I can't praise the players enough for their professionalism and attitude all season. They're a group who handle any obstacle put in front of them and who rise to any challenges they are given."
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Stuart received good news on Monday afternoon when forwards leader Josh Papalii was cleared of a serious shoulder injury, after he sat out the entire second half against the Roosters on Saturday.
Emre Guler., Corey Horsburgh and Sia Soliola remain in the casualty ward, although the latter has been named on an extended bench this weekend.
"The most important thing for the players and myself to be concerned about is our next game, it's not about where we can end up," Stuart said.
"Our whole of club approach to everything we do is what makes us a good club. We do everything together for the best interest of the club and the community we represent.
"We'd have loved to be able to do more in the community this year but we also see the importance of making sure we do our bit for the game."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
