The Canberra Raiders will forfeit their youthful image tomorrow when forward Darren Porter becomes one of the oldest rugby league players to make his first-grade debut.
Approaching 29, Porter is the same age as veteran team-mates Ruben Wiki, Luke Davico and Jason Croker, and two years older than skipper Simon Woolford.
His form for the Raiders' first-division team impressed coach Matthew Elliott, who named Porter on the bench for tomorrow's clash with the Bulldogs.
League statistician David Middleton does not know whether Porter will make history, saying Mark Taylor, who played for Illawarra in 1994, was around the same age.
Porter, a Canberra public servant, said he had only recently started getting serious about football.
"I think when I was younger I didn't have the dedication. But as I've got older I've sort of thought maybe I should make a go of it," he said.
"It is never too late. Even though I'm nearly 29, I don't feel 29.
"If you set your heart on something, things are achievable no matter what your age."
Meanwhile, Melbourne Storm coach Mark Murray has dropped New Zealand test player Tasesa Lavea for tomorow night's match against North Queensland in Townsville.
Lavea will return to play for Brisbane Norths before going into camp with the New Zealand team in preparation for the test against France on Sunday week.
- AGENCIES
Rugby League: 'Ageing' Raider to make debut
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