Ricky Stuart starts rising star Owen Pattie in NSW Cup to fast-track his development, while Jayden Brailey makes his debut in Canberra Raiders' NRL season opener.
Ricky Stuart has made the bold call to start rising star Owen Pattie in NSW Cup, declaring "I need to do this" to fast track the development of one of the game's brightest young talents.
The move will see Jayden Brailey earn his club debut when the Canberra Raiders kick off their NRL season against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Saturday night.
Tom Starling will start at hooker in a side missing Matt Timoko and Matty Nicholson, who will join Pattie in reserve grade as they recover from injury.
Timoko has had limited opportunities to train with the top squad after suffering a foot injury in recent weeks, while Nicholson is recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in a pre-season trial.