Canberra Raiders News

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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Mitch Kenny faces a prolonged recovery after a tackle by Kodi Nikorima, who is suspended for two matches. Hudson Young also receives a two-match suspension.

The Canberra Times

The heartbreak of the Dolphins' extra-time loss to Penrith will ripple for two more weeks as Kodi Nikorima faces suspension for the tackle that hospitalised Mitch Kenny.

It comes as Canberra's Hudson Young receives his own two-match suspension for the high tackle he made on Sua Fa'alogo late in the Raiders' 26-22 win over Melbourne.

Nikorima is set to miss games against the Warriors and Storm for crunching Kenny in a hip-drop tackle during the Dolphins' 23-22 loss to the ladder-leading Panthers.

If he unsuccessfully challenged his grade-three dangerous contact charge - the most serious grading available - the Dolphins five-eighth would miss an additional game against Canterbury.

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