The Raiders have made changes to their side for Friday night’s match against the Sea Eagles at GIO Stadium.
Winger Edrick Lee has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, which will see his cousin Brenko Lee come into the team on the wing to replace him. Brenko has played two matches for the NRL side so far this season (Round 3-4) and comes back into the team following some strong form for Mounties in the Intrust Super Premiership.
Josh Papalii has been named for the Raiders in the second row and will be assessed by club medical staff after State of Origin on Wednesday night, to see if he will back up and play on Friday. The inclusion of Papalii sees Sia Soliola named on the bench.
After a man-of-the-match performance on Sunday against the Bulldogs Joe Tapine has been elevated into the starting team, with Paul Vaughan moving back to the bench, while Jeff Lima will play for Mounties in the Intrust Super Premiership.
Clay Priest comes back into the line-up this weekend after being 18th man last weekend, replacing Shaun Fensom who has been rested this week.
Raider’s new recruit Junior Paulo has been named on an extended bench, pending his 2016 contract being registered with the NRL.
NRL-CANBERRA RAIDERS V MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES
FRIDAY JUNE 3, 7.50PM, GIO STADIUM
1. Jack Wighton
2. Brenko Lee
3. Jarrod Croker (c)
4. Joey Leilua
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Blake Austin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Shannon Boyd
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Joe Tapine
11. Josh Papalii
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Luke Bateman
14. Kurt Baptiste
15. Sia Soliola
16. Clay Priest
17. Paul Vaughan
19. Junior Paulo (Pending NRL registration)
