In a perfect world, Nick Cotric would have 240 minutes left in a Raiders jersey.
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But the superstar winger knows one slip up against the Sydney Roosters in Friday's sudden-death semi-final could be all it takes to draw the curtain on his time at the Green Machine.
The 21-year-old is Canterbury Bulldogs-bound after signing a lucrative three-year contract to join the troubled club from 2021 earlier this season.
It was a tough decision for the local junior, but ultimately an offer too good to refuse for one of the most exciting outside backs in the game.
And Raiders captain Jarrod Croker is determined to send his good mate out on the right note.
"He's only 21 and he's got a massive career ahead of him, I'm just disappointed it's not going to be in a green jersey," Croker said.
"I'd love to have him here but it's just the way it works unfortunately.
"It's been good. I'm proud to have played a little part in that [Cotric's career] over the first couple of years. I don't know whether I've helped him or if it's just all natural ability with Nick but he's been fantastic."
Cotric's numbers at the Raiders have been outstanding since bursting into the NRL as a teenage sensation in 2017.
He's managed 44 tries in 91 appearances, and earned himself a State of Origin call up to NSW's game-one loss last season.
"It was definitely a tough decision [to leave the Raiders], I'm just looking to finishing on a high note and doing the best I can here," Cotric said.
"It's such a great club and a great bunch of boys too, so it would be good to finish on a high so i'll do everything i can on the weekend."
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Cotric said starting strongly against the reigning premiers would be key to winning the match.
"They're going to come out firing, especially after last week, they're a good side and it's going to be a tough battle in the early minutes of the game," Cotric said.
"The start on the weekend [against Cronulla] was not the best. It's probably one of the main goals going into this weekend is our start is something to work on.
"All of us have to get the ball rolling in the middle."
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.
