Raiders to face Storm head-onCanberra has named a full-strength line-up for its season-opening NRL clash with Melbourne after skipper Terry Campese and prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs were both cleared of injuries.
Campese was a last-minute withdrawal from the Raiders' final trial against Canterbury amid fears he had suffered the same groin injury that ruled him out last season.
But the newly installed captain made it through two hard training sessions in the past week and is expected to play a full 80 minutes at Canberra Stadium.
Learoyd-Lahrs overcame a foot problem.
The Raiders' full roster has had some unwelcome side-effects for utility Joel Thompson, who has been consigned to the bench, while new recruit Shaun Berrigan cements his spot in the centres alongside Jarrod Croker.
Despite good performances in both the Raiders' preseason trials, coach David Furner admitted Thompson was in a way a victim of his own versatility but was likely to play both back-row and centre when he gets the call-up.
"He can cover a number of positions, Joely T ... and his ability to play in those positions probably cost him a starting spot," he said.
Thompson played at left centre when the Raiders beat the Storm in their opening trial in Albury earlier this month 27-18, Melbourne that day minus their star trio of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.
But Furner is anticipating a fare more heated contest on Saturday.
"They've always been a well-drilled, well-prepared side and they've also got three classy players that in any side would be a massive threat," he said.
"It's a great test for us."
Trevor Thurling has been named in an 18-man squad but will drop out once Learoyd-Lahrs gets a final clearance from the doctors later this week.
After Saturday's match at Canberra Stadium, the Raiders play their next three games away - on the Gold Coast against the Titans and then back to Sydney for matches against the Roosters and the Wests Tigers.
It has left Furner understandably keen for a first-up win at home.
"We've probably got the toughest draw in the first four or five games - the toughest draw in the competition - but it's never been mentioned," he said.
"It's just about getting through that round one game, go after that round one game and then go after the next one.
"But we can't look any further.
"We need to start well."
Canberra: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Shaun Berrigan, Reece Robinson, Terry Campese (capt), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Travis Waddell, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Josh Papalii, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Joel Thompson, Dane Tilse, Brett White, Trevor Thurling (one to be omitted).
Source: ABC
Topic: Raiders To Tackle Storm Head-on
