Cowboys to exploit Raiders reserve backs Blake Ferguson suspended, Jack Wighton sidelined, Sandor Earl out, Josh Dugan sacked and Edrick Lee injured.
North Queensland coach Neil Henry says his side will exploit Canberra's depleted backline stocks in their NRL clash at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
Barring centre Jarrod Croker, the Raiders' outside backs are now completely different to that which began the season, with Wighton's groin injury tipping the scales to crisis levels.
And all in a week where they'll have to defend against Queensland and Australian five-eighth Johnathan Thurston.
"They've had a few injuries to their outside backs so hopefully we can exploit that," Henry said.
Henry said his players will also keep a close eye on Canberra captain and playmaker Terry Campese, who has been instrumental for the Raiders at home this year.
"Campo's a big part of their game and their structure. He's their main kicker and their main ball player so he's certainly a focus," he said.
"But they've got a big forward pack with (David Shillington) there and Dane Tilse."
Making matters worse for the Raiders, coach David Furner said Wighton's two possible replacements Bill Tupou (sternum) and Dimiti Pelo (virus) are also racing against the clock to be fit.
"Plan C, I'll know today, I need to sort that out today," Furner said.
"There might be a couple of surprises. Might be a reshuffle."
Furner admitted the mounting injury toll was frustrating.
"The injuries that we've had have been collision, and they're something you can't prevent," he said.
"There's still a lot of quality in our halves, fullback.
"For us, we need to defend well. Restrict the times they're on our try line and play down at their end.
To help the Cowboys acclimatise, Henry said he had taken his side down to Canberra earlier than usual to have a training run at the same time as kick off (2pm) the day before the clash.
"They're a side that has won their last 10 games at home so it's going to be a tough trip down there," Henry said.
"We're hoping the weather is kind to us."
Henry has travelled south with 18 players, yet to make a decision on the inclusion of either Ricky Thorby or Jason Taumalolo.
Source: http://au.sports.yahoo.com/league/news/article/-/17894438/cowboys-to-exploit-raiders-reserve-backs/highestRated/;%0A%09-%09YAHOO.aunz.meta.signinUrl=dragons/
Topic: Henry hopes to exploit Raiders injuries, Furner might reshuffle
