Raiders put faith in Strange as Storm sweat on Munster
- Author
- Timestamp
Raiders rookie Ethan Strange has been handed first shot at five-eighth while Storm superstar Cameron Munster has been named despite carrying a groin injury for Round 1 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Coach Ricky Stuart has named Strange alongside vice-captain Jamal Fogarty for their season-opener against the Knights after the 19-year-old's starring performance in Week 2 of the Pre-Season Challenge.
Canberra’s halves pairing has been a major talking point over the pre-season with Strange vying for the No.6 position with new recruit Kaeo Weekes, who has been named as 18th man.
After featuring in just one NRL game last year, Xavier Savage has also been welcomed back onto the wing in a reshuffled Raiders backline, with Albert Hopoate named at centre in the absence of Sebastion Kris (suspended).
New recruits Morgan Smithies and Zac Hosking will make their club debuts in Thursday's match with Smithies named at lock in place of Corey Horsburgh (suspended) and Hosking replacing Elliott Whitehead (calf) in the back row.
Munster: "I want to make sure I'm a 80-100% chance to play on Friday"
Munster, meanwhile, has been named to face the Panthers despite tearing his groin in Fiji but he still has some hurdles to clear before facing the premiers.
The star five-eight revealed on Monday that he would "pull the pin" if he isn't back to full fitness by Wednesday, with utility Tyran Wishart named at No. 14 and rookie playmaker Jonah Pezet in the reserves.
At the Cowboys, PNG International Zac Laybutt gets the nod to replace the departed Peta Hiku in the centres for the season opener against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Laybutt will partner Kyle Feldt on the right edge, with the 2015 grand final hero needing just three tries to surpass Matt Bowen as the club's greatest ever tryscorer.
McInnes: We want to make a statement
Dropped in favourof Valemei mid-season last year before being recalled for the final four games, Feldt made a statement in the Cowboys' trial against the Raiders, running in three tries and breaking three tackles.
Meanwhile, Nicho Hynes is set to make his first appearance for the Sharks in 2024 against the Warriors after the star halfback was a late withdrawal from Cronulla's trial with the Bulldogs (hamstring).
The Warriors have named rookie Taine Tuaupiki at fullback with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad succumbing to a hamstring issue he's been battling over the pre-season.
Andrew Webster's men will also be without Marata Niukore due to a minor foot fracture he suffered during the Pre-Season Challenge clash against the Dolphins.
