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27 July 2007
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Print Canberra takes cautious approach with under-repair big guns
David Jean
[URL="http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/images/viewimages/?image=329531&size=2"]http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/ima...=329531&size=2[/URL]
Canberra Raiders forwards Neville Costigan and Michael Weyman will miss tonight's clash with the Penrith Panthers after failing to overcome injuries.
Raiders coach Neil Henry opted yesterday for caution with Costigan's fractured hand, meaning he will have to wait another week before playing his first game since injuring himself in the lead-up to the third State of Origin match three weeks ago.
Weyman will also miss former coach Matt Elliott's first game back at Canberra Stadium after failing to overcome concussion. The powerful prop failed to convince Raiders doctor Kylie Selwood he had overcome a heavy knock suffered during last Saturday's loss to the Melbourne Storm.
The loss of Costigan and Weyman means Ryan Hinchcliffe, Joe Picker and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs are battling for the final bench spot alongside Josh Miller, Marshall Chalk and Dane Tilse.
Learoyd-Lahrs is likely to line up in Premier League after spending eight weeks on the sideline with a quad injury.
Costigan urged Henry yesterday to play him in the crunch match, which the Raiders must win to stay in contention for a finals berth.
But Henry said the risk was too great, although he had flirted with the idea of selecting his enforcer.
"It's a bit of a risk," Henry said.
"It's only been three weeks and medically it's a little bit early."
Despite not being able to field Costigan and Weyman, Henry was confident his pack would be able to match it with the big Panthers forwards.
Prop Scott Logan will return for his first game in three weeks after missing the Storm game with a virus.
"It's two big packs and I'm looking forward to it," Henry said.
"With the Puletua brothers and [Frank] Pritchard they've got some big backrowers.
"They're a good side and they've clicked at different times and showed they can throw the ball around.
"We just hope it's not [tonight]."
William Zillman and Bronx Goodwin will switch between the wing and fullback again despite both struggling in defence last week.
Henry said Zillman would start the game at the back and the swaps would be less frequent.
He said his back three needed to improve on last week's defensive performance.
"I think defensively both our wingers were caught out on kicks which was a bit poor.
"But a part of that was what was happening on the inside of the line.
"We didn't number up and we had too many on the short side and they found us out.
"I've got no doubt that Matt [Elliott] would have looked at that and they'll maybe try to exploit us with kicks behind our edges."
The Panthers travelled to Canberra yesterday with the same squad Elliott named on Tuesday and are not likely to make any late changes.
Out-of-favour five-eighth Peter Wallace has returned to the starting side, while outspoken youngster Richie Williams has shifted to fullback.
Raiders captain Alan Tongue said it was crucial his team notched a win ahead of road trips to Townsville, Brisbane and Sydney in the final five rounds.
"We need to make the most of our opportunities," Tongue said.
TONIGHT
Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers at Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm. TV Time: Delayed on WIN at 9.30pm. Tickets through Ticketek.
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