Who was going to partner Jamal Fogarty in the halves was the burning question for Canberra over the pre-season but little did we know the rookie combination of Ethan Strange and Kaeo Weekes would be called upon so early.
It was 19-year-old Strange who got the jump for the opening seven rounds but Manly recruit Weekes refused to kick stones and went on to steer Canberra's NSW Cup side to four wins in their opening five rounds, showing Stuart he was ready to step up if needed.
And after grinding together back-to-back wins, the youngest halves combination currently in the competition are showing why you shouldn't write off the Raiders just yet.