Raider Lee sees chance to spread his wings

Edrick Lee says Sisa Waqa's exit to French rugby will be a big loss for Canberra, but he sees it as a chance to spread his wings in the NRL.

Few will miss Sisa Waqa more when he leaves the NRL for French rugby than Canberra teammate Edrick Lee.

The winger has been picking Waqa's brain ever since he arrived in the nation's capital last season, learning off him how to be a more consistent and confident rugby league player.

Lee racks up his 50th NRL game on Saturday against Newcastle, four years after making his debut.

He only played 24 games between 2012 and 2014, waiting until last year to get an almost full season under his belt.

In 2015, however, Lee played all but one game - which he missed through suspension.

"That's one thing I've been working on, being more consistent and getting more feedback from other players," he said.

"Sisa's one that's been helping me out ever since he came here to the club."

Lee said Waqa is going to be a big loss for the team when he joins FC Grenoble at the end of June.

The Fijian flyer was a leader for the outside backs and helped everyone out at training.

"He's got the most experience and he's one of the biggest talkers," the 23-year-old added.

"He gets everyone else talking as well, which it makes you feel more comfortable in those tough situations.

"It's a bit unfortunate the situation, but it's all part of rugby league and I guess there'll be someone to fill his leadership spot for the outside backs."

Waqa has guided Lee on how to "get the pendulum right" while playing on the wing and helped instil confidence in him under the high ball.

But with his departure comes opportunity.

"I think it'll be my chance to, more or less, spread my own wings," said Lee.

"But you've got the captain there, Jarrod Croker to help you out as well ... and a few of the older heads in the forwards.

"I'm sure I'll be into him (Waqa) a lot more before he leaves."


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Source: AAP



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