The Canberra Raiders have been forced to make four late changes for their match against the Warriors on Saturday, with Adam Mogg (calf), Alan Tongue (groin), Josh Miller (shoulder) and Shaun Fensom (back) all ruled out through injury.
The loss of the four regular NRL stars has seen a reshuffle of the Raiders line-up, with Josh McCrone returning from a groin injury to play halfback, Travis Waddell back from his broken jaw to move on to the bench, Troy Thompson back in the side on the bench, while Sam Mataroa will make his NRL debut from the bench.
The inclusions of Troy Thompson, Waddell and Mataora sees Glen Buttriss move into the starting side at hooker, with Trevor Thurling set to start the match at lock for the Raiders.
Marc Herbert has traveled with the team, but at this stage will remain 18th man.
Raiders Coach David Furner said the injury toll at the Raiders is frustrating at the moment, but he expects it to only be a short term problem.
“We only wanted to take players to New Zealand who were 100 per cent fit and ready to go,” Furner said. “It is annoying to lose so many front line players from the team but we’re confident the boys we’ve brought in can do the job.
“We have the bye next week and will welcome it with our injury toll at the moment and should have a near full squad available after the bye week.”
The Raiders departed for New Zealand on Thursday morning and will have one session in New Zealand on Friday afternoon.
Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors
(Numbers don’t reflect jersey’s worn in game)
1. Josh Dugan
2. Brett Kelly
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Joel Thompson
5. Daniel Vidot
6. Terry Campese
7. Josh McCrone
8. Dane Tilse
9. Glen Buttriss
10. David Shillington
11. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
12. Bronson Harrison
13. Trevor Thurling
14. Travis Waddell
15. Troy Thompson
16. Sam Mataora
17. Scott Logan
18. Marc Herbert
