Canberra Raiders hooker Tom Starling is determined to take his game to another level after producing the most complete season of his NRL career.
After cementing himself as a key figure in the Raiders’ spine, Starling’s consistency, defensive workload, and sharp service out of dummy-half stood out across the campaign. His performances not only brought stability to Canberra’s middle but also reinforced his value as one of the competition’s most energetic hookers.
Rather than dwelling on individual accolades or statistics, Starling has made it clear his focus is firmly on improvement. He has spoken about refining his decision-making, increasing his impact late in games, and continuing to evolve as a leader within the squad.
“I feel like there’s still a lot of growth in my game,” Starling said. “Last season gave me confidence, but it also showed me where I can be better.”
The Raiders’ coaching staff have praised Starling’s professionalism and work ethic, noting his willingness to embrace feedback and responsibility. With expectations rising around the club, his role at dummy-half will be central to Canberra’s ability to control tempo and apply sustained pressure.
As the Raiders build toward the next phase of their campaign, Starling’s mindset reflects the broader culture the club is pushing — reward strong performances, but never settle.
After a career-best season, the challenge now is clear: turn consistency into dominance and potential into leadership.
