Canberra coach Ricky Stuart believes Jack Wighton's switch from fullback to five-eighth is following the same trajectory as NRL legend Darren Lockyer.
Stuart has been rapt with Wighton's development this season after making the same switch immortal-in-waiting Lockyer made at Brisbane in 2004.
Wighton led the Raiders (5-2) to their best start in 16 years this season before their four-game winning streak ended against Manly last week.
He has been rock-solid in defence this season, and his best attack has been sizzling but it comes at a cost with the 26-year-old leading the competition in errors.
Stuart, Canberra's greatest halfback, believes Wighton will develop a more consistent game in the halves and backed him to follow in the footsteps of Lockyer.
"I had a good sit down with Jack during the week and just talked about his development as a half and I'm really happy with the way he's transitioning into that position," Stuart said
"Darren Lockyer was probably the most successful fullback to five-eighth switches for a long time, he did a really good job of it and Jack is moving that way in making that position his own.
"His confidence (is growing). The two tries he set up on the weekend ... actually executing is the big part of it and Jack did that last week.
"He put a platform in place for us to bounce off of but we just couldn't do it."
Canberra can solidify their spot in the top four with victory against Penrith in Wagga Wagga on Sunday.
Stuart said it was important his men to don't slump to consecutive losses for the first time this season.
"The boys were all really disappointed in our performance last week," he said.
"Penrith are desperate and they'll play that way, they'll be a very tough opponent and I thought they were very unlucky not to win last week (against South Sydney).
"We certainly have to be on our game if we're going to be anywhere near beating them."
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