Canberra Raiders NYC Coach Mick Mantelli has finalised his line-up for the side’s clash with the Melbourne Storm on Saturday at 4:00pm at Greenfield Park, Albury.
Mantelli has chosen a strong team for the trial with several players from last year’s squad mixed with several new faces.
With Mantelli still undecided on the side’s best line-up, every player will be looking to put their best foot forward to ensure that they will be in the top 17 for the Round 1 clash against the North Queensland Cowboys.
The battle for the number one jersey will be hotly contested with the brilliantly acrobatic talents of Jonathan Kent and the athletic prowess of Jack Creith both likely to spend time at fullback.
Guiding the side around the park will be two campaigners from last year, Matthew Frawley and Trent Schubach, who will partner each other in the halves.
Interestingly, both players spent the majority of their last year time playing hooker but following the departure of Mitch Cornish and Jordan Worboys, they now have an opportunity to move into the role if their versatility warrants it.
The forwards will be led by the likes of Mitchell Shaw up front and Mitchell Barnett and Jarred McIlwrick in the back-row. All three were features of last year’s side and will be instrumental in providing an example to the younger members of the squad.
For the most part, this trial provides an opportunity for the new members of the squad to showcase their talents to Mantelli against a formidable opponent.
Canberra Raiders
1. Jonathan Kent
2. Jack Creith
3. Lachlan Hurst
4. Tevita Aroha-Tuinauvai
5. Trae Clark
6. Matthew Frawley
7. Trent Schubach
8. Mitchell Shaw
9. Dylan McGrath
10. Brett Soloman
11. Mitchell Barnett
12. Jamal Nchouki
13. Jarred McIlwrick
14. Ricky Garard
15. Ezra Howe
16. Kane Leggett
17. Thoren Fidow-Kele
Rourke O’Sullivan
Jake Wheeler
Patrick Atchison
Leu Saipani
Tevin Arona
Isaac Hamad
Jed Pearce
Josh Pheeney
Melbourne Storm (squad)
Maxwell Fesolai
Suliasi Vunivalu
Ellery Tusa
Ruebenn Rennie
Junior Kirisome
Aaron Teroi
Charnze Nicoll - Klokstad
Francis Tualau
Sheldon Pitama
Vincent Rennie
Una Mohi
Charlie Galo
Elias Vole
Nathan Young
Billy Brittain
Ben Nakubuwai
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Shae Ah Fook
Josh Minhinnick
Jake Turpin
Brayden Torpy
Aaron Presnell
