The Canberra Raiders have named an unchanged side for a potentially season-defining visit to the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday although halfback Sam Williams is in doubt with a shoulder injury.
Williams had scans yesterday and, encouragingly, they only revealed a strain to his trapezius muscle. He will travel to Auckland on Friday and will be given until game day to retain his place in the starting line-up.
The talented playmaker copped the knock as Canberra ended the Bulldogs' 12-match winning streak with a 34-6 defeat of one of the title favourites last Friday.
Canberra's fourth win in succession leaves them in seventh position and they could already be assured of progressing to the finals series before taking the field at Mt Smart as the only sides that can squeeze them from the top eight - Brisbane and the Wests Tigers - play on Friday and Saturday respectively.
However, the Raiders will be motivated to win regardless of whether their advance is guaranteed as they earn home advantage in week one of the post-season if they can leapfrog Cronulla into sixth.
If Williams is ruled out, former New Zealand Warriors utility Shaun Berrigan is an option to start in the halves - the 225-game veteran filled in there when Williams was unable to continue at Canberra Stadium.
Meanwhile, prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs is retained on the interchange bench after getting through the Bulldogs game without aggravating a hamstring injury.
Second rower Joel Thompson is also free to play after battling a few minor niggles; Jarrad Kennedy makes the trip across the Tasman as 18th man.
RAIDERS (to be confirmed): Josh Dugan, Sandor Earl, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, David Shillington (captain), Glen Buttriss, Dane Tilse, Josh Papalii, Joel Thompson, Shaun Fensom.
Interchange: Shaun Berrigan, Joe Picker, Mark Nicholls, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Jarrad Kennedy (18th man).
Source: Stuff.co.nz
Topic: Extra Motivation for Raiders to Topple Warriors
