Canberra have announced a tentative 18-man squad for Monday’s NRL clash with St George-Illawarra, acknowledging at least three of those named are in doubt with injury.
Forward Joel Thompson has been named in the starting line-up despite injuring his hand in last week’s 40-18 loss to North Queensland, which doctors first believed could cost him a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But scans have revealed only ligament damage, earning him his place against the Dragons.
Coach David Furner conceded Thompson is one of several Raiders who will be closely watched by medical staff as the week progresses.
Bronson Harrison (hamstring) and Joe Picker (skin infection) have both been named on the bench, while hard-working utility Shaun Berrigan would be a welcome inclusion if he can overcome an injury to his bicep.
All need to prove their fitness this week before taking to Canberra Stadium on Monday night, where the Raiders are chasing just their sixth win of the season.
Lumped with the added loss of captain David Shillington, who remains on State of Origin duty for Queensland, Furner was deflecting questions on Tuesday about whether he had the depth to cover the latest spate of injuries.
He agreed Canberra had been particularly unlucky.
“We had some key players (injured) last year, but just the amount …” Furner said.
“I’ve looked at the list today and there’s 11 players sitting on it.
“Hopefully, two of those I’ll get back.”
Five-eighth linchpin Terry Campese and Brett White were early-season casualties for Canberra, while serious injuries to a variety of other key players seem to be a recurring theme for the struggling Raiders.
On the plus side, the club on Tuesday revised the amount of NRL action makeshift playmaker Josh Dugan is set to miss from up to eight weeks down to four weeks.
It’s likely he could be back as soon as the round-20 clash with Cronulla in July after suffering an ankle ligament strain – his second significant injury this year after his shoulder kept him out for a month earlier in the year.
Sam Williams will pick up where he left in the halves to replace Dugan, with Furner backing the youngster’s efforts with the Mounties in the NSW Cup.
His halves partner Josh McCrone will take up the captaincy reins for the match.
Raiders: Reece Robinson, Dimitri Pelo, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Edrick Lee, Josh McCrone (capt), Sam Williams, Dane Tilse, Travis Waddell, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Josh Papalii, Joel Thompson, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Matt McIlwrick, Bronson Harrison, Sam Mataora, Joe Picker, Mark Nicholls.
