Rookie halfback Josh McCrone insists he won't be taking future NRL selection for granted, despite playing a starring role in the Canberra Raiders' record 56-0 win over the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday night.
But if the praise his captain and other senior teammates heaped on him following an impressive first-grade return is anything to go by, the 22-year-old can look forward to an extended opportunity to prove himself.
McCrone had an immediate impact in his first game back in the Raiders' line-up since round 12, helping set up Canberra's first two tries and forcing several repeat sets with his smart short kicking.
His composed performance clearly eased the pressure on star five-eighth Terry Campese, who responded by playing his best game of the season.
McCrone was only handed his fourth NRL start because regular halfback Marc Herbert broke his hand against Wests Tigers last week.
But considering the Raiders had been kept to just four points in two of their previous three appearances with Herbert in the No7 jersey, McCrone has a strong case to retain the halfback position for the remainder of the season.
Raiders captain Alan Tongue said McCrone's enthusiastic start against the Broncos had helped spark Canberra's attack.
''He definitely helped,'' Tongue said.
More Raiders news in today's Canberra Times
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