Canberra Raiders Latest

Simi Sasagi joins two other Raiders stars injured, missing the clash against Wests Tigers. Coach Stuart hopes for his return against the Titans next week.

The Canberra Times

Oh no, not Simi Sasagi as well.

The Canberra Raiders now have three stars out of their clash against the third-placed Wests Tigers, with a hamstring injury ruling Sasagi out of the game at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was hopeful Sasagi would be back for their trip to the Gold Coast to face the Titans Saturday week.

The blow comes in the middle of a gruelling stretch for the Green Machine, who are playing their fourth game in 18 days - including tough trips to Perth and Newcastle.

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Canberra Raiders star Simi Sasagi suffers a hamstring injury ahead of the match against Wests Tigers.

Zero Tackle

The Canberra Raiders have copped another injury blow ahead of their clash with the Wests Tigers, with breakout star Simi Sasagi suffering a hamstring injury.

Sasagi has been one of Canberra's best over the opening six weeks of the campaign, taking a surprise centre spot from Matt Timoko to open the campaign and not relinquishing it.

Ricky Stuart suggested early on that he would at some point revert to the bench or a second-row position, but the Knights' junior's form in the centres has been so strong that it hasn't come close to reality yet.

Savelio Tamale last week made way from the 17 for the return of Timoko, with Sasagi's form forcing Sebastian Kris to the wing.

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NSW coach Laurie Daley is open to selecting youth, hinting at debut for 21-year-old Ethan Strange in State of Origin.

Zero Tackle

The State of Origin conversation has officially ignited following Monday's launch, with New South Wales coach Laurie Daley outlining a selection philosophy that leaves the door wide open - particularly for the game's next generation.

With the modern game evolving at speed, Daley hinted at a willingness to reward form and inject youth, placing rising stars firmly in the frame for a Blues jersey.

Among those is 21-year-old Ethan Strange, who has emerged as a genuine bolter for a potential debut this year. While still developing, Strange's recent performances have caught attention, and a possible combination on the left edge with Latrell Mitchell looms as a tantalising prospect.

"I think there is a great opportunity for that (debutants) to happen," Daley said.

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