The Mole: How son of a Raiders gun bounced back from 'rocky start' to find his feet
It's taken a bit of time, but Zac Woolford finally believes that he belongs in the Raiders' top team.
Things looked grim for the 26-year-old when he started the season as their third choice hooker behind the more experienced Danny Levi and Tom Starling.
But instead of kicking stones, Woolford knuckled down and gradually established himself as the club's top No.9 for the run in to the finals.
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"It's funny - I made my debut last year and went OK and kind of expected to be there to start this season," Woolford told Wide World of Sports.
"But I had a rocky start, a back injury didn't help and the other two guys were playing well.
Zac Woolford of the Raiders. Getty
"I had to suck it up and play NSW Cup but I battled away and by round four I was back in the top squad.
"Ricky (Stuart, the coach) told me the jersey was mine - for a while - and that gave me my confidence back and some breathing room.
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"I feel I'm playing consistently now and have earned the trust of the guys around me.
"When I first got my chance, I was always trying to prove myself but it's not like that any more. I'm enjoying the role and hooker at Canberra is one of the best jobs in the NRL with guys like Josh Papalii, Corey Horsburgh and Joey Tapine there to look after me."
Woolford's biggest fan - and harshest critic - is dad Simon, a Raiders legend who played over 200 games for the club at hooker in the 1990s and 2000s.
"He's not short of advice, that's for sure," Zac said with a grin.
"We talk daily and sometimes we disagree. But he has taught me so much and I know any criticism comes from a good place so it's all good."
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