Kennedy sets himself weighty goal - The Canberra Times

Canberra Raider Jarrad Kennedy at the Australian War Memorial, in support of the Soldier On, South Pole Challenge. Photo: Graham Tidy

He was in the same premiership-winning under-20s team as Shaun Fensom, Jarrod Croker and Josh Dugan. Now Raiders second-rower Jarrad Kennedy wants to emerge from the fringes and become a regular contributor in the NRL.

Kennedy has taken time to make the transition to first grade after being a part of the star-studded Canberra side that won the inaugural under-20s competition in 2008. He has played just six games in the top grade, two in 2012 and another four last season.

In contrast, Croker has cracked the century mark (116), two-time Raiders player of the year Fensom is not far behind (84) and Dugan - who joined the St George Illawarra Dragons midway through last season - is now the NSW State of Origin fullback.

The Raiders have backed Kennedy for the long haul, signing the 24-year-old Tuross Heads product until the end of 2015.

He is keen to repay the faith and show new coach Ricky Stuart he deserves to become a regular in the forward pack. ''This is a big season for me with a new coach and a lot of new staff,'' Kennedy said.

''Hopefully I can have a big year this year and play as much first-grade as I can. Every game in first grade helps with your experience.''

Kennedy and Raiders teammates Fensom and Dane Tilse were at the Australian War Memorial on Monday in support of the Virgin Money South Pole Allied Challenge, an initiative to raise money for wounded ex-servicemen and women.

The Raiders boast plenty of options in the second row.

Kangaroos enforcer Josh Papalii and dynamic defender Joel Edwards will be joined by Kennedy, Jake Foster and new recruit Lagi Setu in fighting for positions.

Kennedy wants to add bulk to his 98-kilogram frame and pointed to the strength of Papalii as setting the benchmark in the competition.

Papalii has used his entire 110-kilogram build to great effect in making an impact for Australia at the rugby league World Cup.

''You look at someone like Papalii, he's one of the best back-rowers running around at the moment, if not the best, and you see how big and strong he is,'' Kennedy said.

''I want to put weight on and will be looking to do that after Christmas going into the trials [in February].

''At the moment it's about stripping the fat and getting fit, then the weight will come.''