Despite only playing one first grade game, Zac Santo was an important member of the Raiders squad in 2016.
A specialist fullback, Santo joined the Raiders from the North Queensland Cowboys after playing one NRL game in 2014.
Santo made a strong start to the season for the Mounties, but was stuck behind Jack Wighton in the pecking order for the Raiders fullback position.
When Wighton was suspended for one-game Santo had his opportunity to make his club debut against the Broncos in Round 14. Santo turned in a flawless display, playing the whole game at fullback and running for 95 metres. The Broncos tested out Santo under the high ball on lots of occasions, but he never put a foot wrong, also pulling off a stunning try-saving strip on Anthony Milford.
Wighton's return relegated Santo back to Mounties for the rest of the season, where he starred in helping the Raiders feeder team claim the ISP NSW minor premiership. His strong form throughout the year saw him picked as the NSW ISP Fullback of the Year.
