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From shoulder injuries to torn calves and broken hands, Raiders forward Zac Hosking hasn’t had the best of luck since his move to Canberra.

Hosking has battled through a series of injuries that would test even the most seasoned professionals but now, back on the field and firing, he is proving to be an essential part of Canberra’s 2025 premiership campaign.

“It is actually pretty foreign to me before I came to Canberra. I had never really missed more than two weeks of footy in my whole life," Hosking said.

"And then I came down here and obviously had a major shoulder injury and then I tore my calf in pre-season and then broke my hand.”

Injuries have restricted Zac Hosking to just 15 matches since joining the Raiders in 2024.
Injuries have restricted Zac Hosking to just 15 matches since joining the Raiders in 2024. ©Anthony Kourembanas/NRL Photos

But Hosking didn’t let frustration define him as he was always determined to come back stronger and contribute to a Raiders side aiming for second spot if they beat the Warriors at Go Media Stadium on Sunday.

“I feel like I am trying to make the most of the opportunities when I am back playing. I don’t want to be the chink in the armour when I do come back and play because our team is going so well at the moment," he said.

That team first mentality is something that has come to define Hosking’s approach to 2025.

Whether deployed on the edge or through the middle, he has made it clear he will play wherever his side needs him - especially after the recent loss of Englishman Matty Nicholson to injury.

“It is obviously a position I am very familiar with. I had made that move to go into the middle about a month ago," he said. "Matty’s been flying, so I have been really happy to stay in the middle.

Zac Hosking Try

"I actually sort of prefer there anyway, but moving back to the edge, I was fine with it and felt real comfortably out there.”

Hosking’s versatility has earned him praise from coach Ricky Stuart and is built on hard work; a trait he attributes to both his time at the Penrith Panthers and the demanding Raiders' pre-season under Stuart.

"Everyone knows that’s the DNA of the club at Penrith and that’s how they’ve had so much success in recent years.” Hosking said. “Coming here under Sticky, the priority is being selfless and working hard.

"He flogged us all summer in the pre-season, and I think our fitness is really showing now when the line speed is still really good in the 79th minute. We probably put that down to our summer.”

Zac Hosking in action for the Raiders against the Warriors in Round 1 at Allegiant Stadium.
Zac Hosking in action for the Raiders against the Warriors in Round 1 at Allegiant Stadium. ©Anthony Kourembanas/NRL Photos

The Raiders are in third place after winning eight of their opening 11 matches, including defeats of the Storm, Sharks, Broncos and Warriors.

Hosking has played the last five matches and with his shoulder, calf and hand all healed, his personal goals are clear.

“After last year, my goals are probably just staying healthy and being able to play every week," he said.

"I felt like I sort of owed the team a bit after missing so much footy last year due to  my shoulder, so I guess playing consistent footy and just being selfless.”

Zac Hosking Try

At the heart of the 28-year-old's journey has been his father, former Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles hardman David Hosking. While Zac is carving his own path, the influence of his old man remains strong.

“He has been massive throughout my whole life. He hasn’t been pushy at all, he has always said to me and my siblings that we can do whatever we want. 'We don’t have to play footy or whatever, but I’ll support you no matter what'," he said.

"Within this space, he is just proud to sit back now and watch me and he is probably a bit too outdated for today’s game. It is pretty different to when he played.

"I think he just loves being able to watch his son play."

And as the Raiders keeps building, it’s clear Zac Hosking isn’t just back - he has become a vital cog in the Green Machine's drive for a premiership.

Acknowledgement of Country

Canberra Raiders respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.