Single mum's sacrifice leads Raiders rookie to J-Moz showdown

Matt Timoko shunned the most prolific All Blacks breeding ground in New Zealand to chase his NRL dream, a move which now has him poised to mark up on Josh Morris in his 300th game.

The Raiders rookie has been brought into Canberra's starting line-up opposite Morris for Saturday's grand final re-match following Curtis Scott's withdrawal due to a leg injury.

Coach Ricky Stuart could yet reshuffle his game-day backline with Jordan Rapana and Nick Cotric both capable of shifting to the centres, but as it stands one-gamer Timoko will get the gig.

It's a rapid rise for the 20-year-old Auckland native who has only played 80 minutes of full flight footy in the last six months, a prospect he says would never have been possible but for his mother Rina's sacrifice.

Timoko and his mum made the move to Australia three years ago after meeting with Raiders recruitment guru Peter Mulholland, with Rina leaving behind an extensive Kiwi family network for her son to chase a start with Canberra.

"I came across with my mum," Timoko said after a solid debut against Canterbury.

"Honestly she's my backbone. I wouldn't have been able to move over without her.

"She decided to come over and make the trip with me, it's just been an amazing experience."

Timoko attended the famed Auckland Grammar School, walking the same halls as 52 All Black representatives over the years including icons like Grant Fox and Doug Howlett.

But as a "leaguie through and through" Timoko ended up on his way to Canberra with mum in tow,  a move Mulholland had made previously when current Souths rookie Steven Marsters and his family were brought to Australia with the help of St George Illawarra.

"When we were talking through the move it just made sense and was going to make that transition for the kid a lot easier," Mulholland told NRL.com.

"And from our perspective, we're more than happy to help in that respect and she's done a great job raising him. Matt's a gem of a kid, he looks you in the eye when he's talking to you.

"Putting him through school, that's a fair sacrifice. Like most single mums she's worked hard and put her kid first in a lot of respects.

"Moving to Australia to give him the best chance, helping him settle into his career path, she's left grandkids and a daughter in New Zealand to make this happen."

Timoko has impressed coming through the ranks despite a torn patella ligament limiting his first season in the Raiders juniors, then COVID-19 preventing him from playing any reserve grade in 2020.

A minor knee niggle even kept him out of a scheduled scrimmage against the Storm earlier in the year.

But Stuart's backing had the youngster ready and willing for a Roosters showdown even prior to Scott's scratching on Friday.

"It's exciting, I'm ready for the challenge. Even if I'm not picked, I'll still bring energy if I'm on the reserves, if I'm back on the bench again," Timoko said.

"If I was to get a spot I'd just give it 110 per cent, these things only happen once.

"There's no do-overs, especially against a side like the Roosters, they're going really well. I'm looking forward to the challenge if I get put in for the game."