'Fullback is my position': Why Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad still has the edge on Xavier Savage in Canberra's fullback battle

Canberra's Xavier Savage will have another chance to impress coach Ricky Stuart after first-string fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was ruled out of the Raiders' trial match against the Sea Eagles.

Savage scored a try in the Raiders' trial victory over the Sea Eagles last week and has caught the eye with his blistering speed and ability to beat defenders.

As it stands, Nicoll-Klokstad still has a firm grasp on the fullback jersey and is expected to hold his place for the season opener against the Sharks.

While Savage's blistering pace and confidence with ball in hand has the Raiders faithful salivating over his potential, the club is expected to play the long game with the 19-year-old Queenslander. If he does play in Round 1, it's more likely to be on the wing, given Jordan Rapana's suspension.

There's no ill will whatsoever between Nicoll-Klokstad and Savage, with the former embracing the competition from the young gun.

«He's a bright young kid, he's got a lot of talent, a lot of speed, and speed is something you can't teach. He's got something straight away that I don't have so I have to go to my strengths and that's my running game and how I organise the defence,» Nicoll-Klokstad said.

«It's good to have competition, it's healthy, as Sticky says and I'm relishing the opportunity to fight it out for that spot and come Round 1 we'll see what the team is.

»He'd have to play pretty well to get me out of there. I'm training really hard to make sure I'm putting my hand up for Round 1 fullback.

«Fullback is my position and I'll be training as hard as I can to make sure that's the case come Round 1.»

Savage scored a try against the Roosters and recorded two line breaks. His talent is rare and undeniable, but there are still some rough