Savelio Tamale requested to play NSW Cup to regain confidence, allowing Matt Timoko to start in the NRL.
Canberra Raiders winger Savelio Tamale asked coach Ricky Stuart if he could play NSW Cup against the Storm on Saturday.
Tamale, who has been an outright starter for the Raiders since making his debut with the club last year, approached his coach in the wake of the team's win against the Rabbitohs in Perth last week.
The 21-year-old felt he had lost some confidence after his start to the season, and wanted to work on his craft for the week down in the reserve grade competition before returning to the NRL.
Tamale's exit has opened the door for Matt Timoko to get his first start of the year in the NRL, after being held out by Simi Sasagi for the opening month of the competition.
-Tyson Jackson