Sam Williams has recovered from a virus and expects to play in Canberra’s NRL clash with Sydney Roosters on Saturday.

Williams was too sick to start in the Raiders’ season-opening win over Penrith, forcing five-eighth Blake Austin off the bench in his first game back since having shoulder surgery last September.

But with Austin (knee) and halves partner Aidan Sezer (eye socket) out for four to six weeks with injuries, Williams will take the reins at halfback with a yet-to-be-named five-eighth.