We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
A fitter and leaner Josh Papali'i has sent a warning sign to his rivals in his first hit out of the 2024 season.
The Canberra Raiders prop produced an impressive 20 minute stint during Sunday's trial against the North Queensland Cowboys at Seiffert Oval.
Papali'i ran for 79 metres from seven carries to lay the foundation for his side's early 14-4 lead. The veteran has endured a gruelling pre-season, shedding multiple kilograms to ensure his body is firing throughout the season.
North Queensland have rallied to beat Canberra in an NRL trial game, although it was the form of a Raiders youngster that stole the show in Queanbeyan.
Ethan Strange staked his claim for the vacant Canberra five-eighth role with a starring performance despite his side's 36-26 loss on Sunday afternoon.
The Raiders led 14-4 in an impressive early attacking blitz, before the Cowboys wore their less-experienced opponents down with four straight tries.
Strange shone early and produced the game's first points with a moment of pure...
Canberra Raiders youngster Ethan Strange will wait to see if he has a case to answer after he was sin binned for a dangerous throw against the Cowboys.
With three men involved in the tackle on Thomas Mikaele, Strange ended up with his hand between the legs of the prop and lifted him into a dangerous position.
Referee Chris Butler was left with no choice but to put Strange on report and send him to the sin bin during the second half of the Raiders' loss.