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From Dave Riccio in the smellygraph.
seems to omit a name in here that most are saying is faster than JAC. Hmmmm. perhaps he just doesn't like Swedish car manufactures....
In fact Dave Ric is still using James Roberts name. so 2018.
Only a couple of years ago, Savage was the fastest teenager in Queensland over 100-metres and 200-metres and was also the state’s long jump champion.
Savage has since swapped his gold medal mission for the NRL – and his decision to trade his track spikes for football boots has paid off.
Xavier Savage will make his official debut for the Raiders. Picture: NRL Imagery
On a cold Thursday night in July at Brookvale Oval, Savage will make his official NRL debut at fullback for the Raiders in their must-win clash against Manly.
Not only is the 19-year-old planning to prove a proud mother’s sacrifice and baking skills was worth it – but why he could be the NRL’s new fastest-man.
“As soon as I get the ball it’s reaction time, off-the-mark, and I just open up,” Savage said recently.
“I look where I need to go and I’ve got the speed to burn.”
Boasting speed to rival the NRL’s fastest-flyers including Josh Addo-Carr, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and James Roberts, Savage clocked 10.95 secs to win the 100m event at the 2018 Queensland Junior Athletics Championships.
“He is one of the most natural athletes I have seen for some time,’’ world regarded athletics coach Eric Brown said at the time.
At Raiders training, Savage is like lightning.
Savage in action for Palm Beach Currumbin last year. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Long-time Raiders officials won’t say it publicly - but they rate Savage faster than three of the club’s quickest players of all-time Noa Nadruku, Ken Nagas and Brett Mullins.
Of the current stars; Addo-Carr, Roberts and Tabuai-Fidow are considered the game’s fastest in the league.
Addo-Carr’s running speed of 36.8km/h was the fastest of round-16, according to the NRL’s Telstra Tracker.
Savage, grew-up in Cairns dominating on the athletics track before moving to Brisbane Boys College to play rugby union.
He was scouted by the Roosters to play with their SG Ball squad in 2018 before joining the Raiders last year.
He has just extended his future at the club until 2022 and Raiders coach Ricky Stuart would prefer if Savage made his official NRL debut without the hype of expectation.
But the coach also appreciates why many Canberra fans were hoping the club’s season-long search for their x-factor was over with the arrival of Savage.
Savage on the burst for Cairns Brothers during an U14s match in 2016. Picture Stewart McLean
“He’s very fast, but he’s a young boy and a football field is a lot different to a track field,’’ Stuart said.
“Xavier, along with a number of other young recruits are who Peter Mulholland (head of recruitment) has worked hard to re-sign so that over the next 12-months they’re all playing first grade.
“As much as we’re really disappointed with our season, we’re not taking our eye off the future.’’
The Raiders have gone all out to make Savage’s debut special after he was at the centre of a bungled appearance three weeks ago after being brought in under the league’s new 18th man system.
The teen was mistakenly called onto the field after a concussion to Sebastian Kris, but celebrations were cut short when Savage was hooked just 11-minutes later, as sheepish Raiders officials scrambled to get him off the field.
Thursday night marks his official entry on the NRL start line.
With tears running down his face on Wednesday, Savage received a special video message from club legend Laurie Daley, Jack Wighton from inside NSW State of Origin camp and of course, his proud mum, Erica.
“I can’t believe I’m here - I’ll cherish this jersey,’’ Savage said.
“I’ve got big shoes to fill, I’ll do you all proud.’’
seems to omit a name in here that most are saying is faster than JAC. Hmmmm. perhaps he just doesn't like Swedish car manufactures....
In fact Dave Ric is still using James Roberts name. so 2018.
Is this the NRL’s new fastest man?
Xavier Savage’s mother Erica sold home-made cupcakes and raffle tickets hoping to fund her boy’s dream to compete at the Olympics.Only a couple of years ago, Savage was the fastest teenager in Queensland over 100-metres and 200-metres and was also the state’s long jump champion.
Savage has since swapped his gold medal mission for the NRL – and his decision to trade his track spikes for football boots has paid off.
Xavier Savage will make his official debut for the Raiders. Picture: NRL Imagery
On a cold Thursday night in July at Brookvale Oval, Savage will make his official NRL debut at fullback for the Raiders in their must-win clash against Manly.
Not only is the 19-year-old planning to prove a proud mother’s sacrifice and baking skills was worth it – but why he could be the NRL’s new fastest-man.
“As soon as I get the ball it’s reaction time, off-the-mark, and I just open up,” Savage said recently.
“I look where I need to go and I’ve got the speed to burn.”
Boasting speed to rival the NRL’s fastest-flyers including Josh Addo-Carr, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and James Roberts, Savage clocked 10.95 secs to win the 100m event at the 2018 Queensland Junior Athletics Championships.
“He is one of the most natural athletes I have seen for some time,’’ world regarded athletics coach Eric Brown said at the time.
At Raiders training, Savage is like lightning.
Savage in action for Palm Beach Currumbin last year. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Long-time Raiders officials won’t say it publicly - but they rate Savage faster than three of the club’s quickest players of all-time Noa Nadruku, Ken Nagas and Brett Mullins.
Of the current stars; Addo-Carr, Roberts and Tabuai-Fidow are considered the game’s fastest in the league.
Addo-Carr’s running speed of 36.8km/h was the fastest of round-16, according to the NRL’s Telstra Tracker.
Savage, grew-up in Cairns dominating on the athletics track before moving to Brisbane Boys College to play rugby union.
He was scouted by the Roosters to play with their SG Ball squad in 2018 before joining the Raiders last year.
He has just extended his future at the club until 2022 and Raiders coach Ricky Stuart would prefer if Savage made his official NRL debut without the hype of expectation.
But the coach also appreciates why many Canberra fans were hoping the club’s season-long search for their x-factor was over with the arrival of Savage.
Savage on the burst for Cairns Brothers during an U14s match in 2016. Picture Stewart McLean
“He’s very fast, but he’s a young boy and a football field is a lot different to a track field,’’ Stuart said.
“Xavier, along with a number of other young recruits are who Peter Mulholland (head of recruitment) has worked hard to re-sign so that over the next 12-months they’re all playing first grade.
“As much as we’re really disappointed with our season, we’re not taking our eye off the future.’’
The Raiders have gone all out to make Savage’s debut special after he was at the centre of a bungled appearance three weeks ago after being brought in under the league’s new 18th man system.
The teen was mistakenly called onto the field after a concussion to Sebastian Kris, but celebrations were cut short when Savage was hooked just 11-minutes later, as sheepish Raiders officials scrambled to get him off the field.
Thursday night marks his official entry on the NRL start line.
With tears running down his face on Wednesday, Savage received a special video message from club legend Laurie Daley, Jack Wighton from inside NSW State of Origin camp and of course, his proud mum, Erica.
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Origin champ’s defiant message to NRL suitorsThe park footballers putting NRL stars to shameTransfer news: Broncos gamble on playmaker’s contract“I can’t believe I’m here - I’ll cherish this jersey,’’ Savage said.
“I’ve got big shoes to fill, I’ll do you all proud.’’
