2024 NRL Signings Tracker: Tom Starling Set to Replace Zac Woolford as Woolford Departs Raiders for Super League
As the 2024 NRL season approaches, teams are in the midst of finalizing their rosters, making key signings and transfers in a bid to boost their chances for the upcoming year. One of the standout moves in the recent signings tracker is the departure of Canberra Raiders’ hooker Zac Woolford, who has made the switch from the NRL to the Super League, leaving a notable gap in the Raiders’ squad. Woolford’s exit has led to speculation about how the team will adapt in the absence of the experienced hooker, with Tom Starling set to step up and play a bigger role for the Raiders.
Zac Woolford’s decision to leave Canberra Raiders marks a significant shift in his career. The 27-year-old hooker has been a reliable player for the Raiders since joining the club in 2022, after a stint with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Woolford’s move to the Super League, where he will join the Salford Red Devils, is seen as an opportunity for him to take on a new challenge in one of Europe’s premier rugby league competitions.
Woolford, son of Raiders legend Simon Woolford, has grown into his own as a player. While his father forged a long-standing career in the NRL, Zac has chosen a slightly different path. The Super League presents a fresh start and a chance for Woolford to further develop his skills on a global stage.
In an official statement, Woolford expressed his gratitude to the Canberra Raiders and the NRL for the opportunities they provided him over the years. “I’ve loved every moment of my time with the Raiders, but this is the right move for me and my career,” Woolford said. “I’m excited to take on a new challenge in the Super League and test myself against some of the best players in the world.”
Woolford’s departure is part of a growing trend where NRL players are making the switch to the Super League, seeing it as a new frontier for development and competition. Players like Sam Tomkins and James Maloney have previously made similar moves, finding success overseas.
Zac Woolford’s exit leaves a void in the Raiders’ squad, particularly in the crucial hooking position. However, Canberra is far from unprepared for the change. Tom Starling, who has been with the Raiders since 2019, is widely expected to assume Woolford’s role as the starting hooker. Starling, a dynamic and versatile player, has already shown flashes of brilliance, often being used as an impact player off the bench.
Starling’s speed and creativity out of dummy-half make him a formidable attacking threat, and many Raiders fans are excited about what he can bring to the table as a full-time starter. In 2023, Starling was instrumental in several key games, and coach **Ricky Stuart** has been full of praise for his development over the past few seasons.
While Starling’s elevation to a more prominent role is seen as a positive, the Raiders will need to ensure they maintain depth in the position. The club has been linked with several possible replacements and is expected to bolster its hooking options in the coming weeks.
Woolford’s departure is just one of several changes happening at the Raiders ahead of the 2024 NRL season. The club has been active in the transfer market, both bringing in new talent and farewelling some long-time servants.
Among the most notable new arrivals is David Fifita, who joins the Raiders from the Gold Coast Titans. The signing of Fifita, a powerhouse forward, has been hailed as a coup for Canberra, and he is expected to add significant firepower to the team’s forward pack. Alongside Fifita, the Raiders have also signed Luke Brooks from the Wests Tigers, further strengthening their playmaking options.
However, the Raiders have also had to say goodbye to several players, including veteran forward Josh Papalii, who retired after an illustrious career with the club. Papalii’s leadership and experience will be sorely missed, but the team is hopeful that younger players will step up to fill the void.
Woolford’s departure highlights a growing trend in which NRL players are opting to move to the Super League for new challenges and opportunities. Over the years, the Super League has proven to be an attractive destination for players who are either looking for more playing time or seeking a fresh start in their careers.
For Woolford, the move represents a chance to prove himself in a different competition, one that places a heavy emphasis on attacking rugby. The Super League is known for its fast-paced, high-scoring matches, and Woolford’s skillset seems well-suited to thrive in that environment.
Moreover, Woolford’s move is indicative of a broader pattern in the NRL, where player movement between the NRL and Super League is becoming more frequent. This player exchange has brought new dimensions to both competitions, as players return from the Super League with fresh perspectives and experiences that enhance the quality of the NRL.
The 2024 season promises to be an exciting one for the Canberra Raiders. With key signings like David Fifita and the emergence of Tom Starling, the team looks well-equipped to contend for a top-eight finish. The Raiders are known for their gritty style of play and their passionate fanbase, and they will undoubtedly be aiming for another deep run into the finals.
Coach Ricky Stuart, now one of the longest-serving coaches in the NRL, will have the task of integrating the new signings while ensuring that the team’s core remains strong. Stuart has spoken highly of the team’s recruitment efforts and is confident that the Raiders can challenge the top teams in 2024.
In conclusion, while the departure of Zac Woolford to the Super League marks the end of one chapter for the Raiders, it also opens the door for new players like Tom Starling to step up and make their mark. With a strong recruitment drive and the emergence of young talent, the Raiders will be a team to watch in the upcoming NRL season.
