He's arguably Ricky Stuart's most important chess piece, so it's not surprising the Canberra Raiders coach has wrapped Jamal Fogarty in cotton wool for round one.
Stuart's also opted to rest veteran Jordan Rapana from any pre-season trial action, with the focus on being ready for their season opener against the Newcastle Knights in round one.
Maori All Stars captain Joe Tapine will also skip the Raiders' final trial - against the North Queensland Cowboys at Seiffert Oval on Sunday - while suspended duo Sebastian Kris and Corey Horsburgh also miss out.