LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Canberra Raiders are facing a significant setback in their quest for the NRL premiership, as star winger Xavier Savage has been ruled out for the rest of the 2025 season.
Savage sustained a shoulder injury during Friday night's match against the Penrith Panthers. Subsequent scans revealed the need for consultation with specialists later this week to assess whether surgery will be necessary.
Regardless of the outcome, it has been confirmed that Savage will not return this season.
As he makes a comeback from a knee injury, Savelio Tamale is likely to take over Savage's wing position, while Jed Stuat will maintain his role on the opposite side.
In his last two seasons, Savage has scored a remarkable 27 tries, and in 2025 alone, he has contributed 12 tries, alongside 55 tackle busts, nine line-breaks, and accumulated 2,339 running metres-averaging 111 metres per match across 21 games this year.
As the Raiders strive to secure the minor premiership, they will face the Wests Tigers and the Dolphins in the upcoming fortnight. However, a potential loss could see them drop to second place, with the Melbourne Storm closely trailing just two points behind and having a superior points difference.