Josh Papali'i's last season opens opportunities for young players like Vena Patuki-Case, amidst Raiders' injury struggles.
With this set to be Josh Papali'i's final Canberra Raiders campaign, captain Joe Tapine says there's a position for a young bull to make his own.
And Vena Patuki-Case gets a chance to stake his claim to fill that void with his NRL debut.
Tapine's been one of several middles who've increased their playing time to help cover the Raiders' injuries in their forward pack.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has praised Tapine, Corey Horsburgh and Morgan Smithies' efforts in covering the absences of Papali'i (calf), Matty Nicholson (shoulder), Simi Sasagi (shoulder), Hudson Young (State of Origin and suspension), Noah Martin (ankles) and Zac Hosking (concussion), which left them short of forwards.