Canberra Raiders Club
The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders have named their team for Saturday evening's match against the North Queensland Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Club legend Josh Papalii will play his final match for the club in what will be his 342nd and final appearance for the Green Machine.
Coby Black (halfback) and Malachi Smith (bench) have been named to make their NRL debuts this weekend, while Vena Patuki-Case will make his second appearance for the season after his debut earlier in the year.
Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart said the opportunity has been presented to give some players a chance at NRL level to begin preparations for next year.
"Coby, Malachi and Vena get a chance this week. We don't want to waste a game regarding our preparation for next season, and all three deserve the chance to see what they can show at NRL level."
"It will be a special occasion for Coby and Malachi to make their debuts for the club, and Vena will benefit from another opportunity at NRL level."
"I appreciate Daine, Ethan (Sanders) and Tommy understanding that I am looking at the bigger picture in giving some younger players the opportunity to experience the intensity and physicality of the NRL. All three boys have been tremendous for us all season and will continue to be big parts of this squad moving forward."
Corey Horsburgh will not make the trip north after undergoing shoulder surgery today, while Savelio Tamale (knee) and Zac Hosking (hamstring) are not named in the squad due to injury.
Noah Martin will replace Zac Hosking in the starting side after returning from a quad injury.
Morgan Smithies comes back into the side after missing last week with concussion, in what will be his final match for the club before departing at the end of the season.
Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Saturday, September 5, 5.30pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Kaeo Weekes
Jed Stuart
Simi Sasagi
Matt Timoko
Xavier Savage
Ethan Strange
Coby Black
Josh Papalii
Owen Pattie
Joe Tapine (C)
Noah Martin
Matty Nicholson
Ata Mariota
Malachi Smith
Joe Roddy
Morgan Smithies
Vena Patuki-Case
Tom Starling
Daine Laurie
Ethan Sanders
Mark Tuialii
Jesse Milin
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