'Ryan Sutton has been amazing for Canberra Raiders'

Kangaroos prop Josh Papalii has been attracting most of the accolades about Canberra’s form this season – but Ryan Sutton deserves more credit.
Ryan Sutton in action against Sydney RoostersRyan Sutton in action against Sydney Roosters
Ryan Sutton in action against Sydney Roosters

That's the view of Sia Soliola, who is set to return from an horrific facial injury in Sunday’s match against the Warriors in Canberra, said Sutton was an under-rated member of the Raiders squad aiming to better last year’s Grand Final loss.

With Canberra forced to endure a lengthy injury toll –which includes England hooker Josh Hodgson – and ex-St Helens favourite Soliola reckons Sutton has thrived on the extra responsibility.

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“We emphasise Papa but guys like Ryan Sutton, Dunamis Lui and Joe Tapine have been doing amazing jobs,” Soliola said. “We are fortunate to have someone like Ryan, and the other guys, because they provide great depth.

“If you want to win a comp you have got to have guys like Ryan on board because he has stepped up while we have had injuries.

“He has just been amazing with the energy he has bought in and he has got better and better with every game.”

Sutton joined the Raiders in 2019, along with Wigan team-mate John Bateman, and the arrival of the pair coincided with the Green Machine qualifying for the Grand Final last year against Sydney Roosters. Hodgson and England second-rower Elliott Whitehead were already at the club and halfback George Williams joined them from Wigan this season.

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“Canberra is just a great place for opportunities like that and even with Johnny Bateman, no one here really knew Johnny before he came onto the scene,” Soliola said.

“Ryan Sutton has always been solid and he has been amazing since coming here.”

The Raiders face New Zealand Warriors at 5am on Sunday.