Luke Bateman will get the opportunity to start this weekend for the Raiders when they play the Warriors in New Plymouth, after Shaun Fensom was ruled out for the trip to New Zealand with a shoulder injury.
Bateman has been in strong form since getting an opportunity in round six, with his elevation into the starting side a reward for his consistent and solid performances.
Fensom will only miss 1-2 weeks with his injury, after scans cleared him of any serious damage.
Jeff Lima will also make his return to the NRL squad for the first time since breaking his hand in round four and will come onto the Raiders bench for Bateman.
Frank-Paul Nuuausala has been named on an extended bench for the match after a strong performance for Mounties on Saturday against Newtown, while Sam Williams has also made the trip to New Zealand.
NRL-CANBERRA RAIDERS V NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
SATURDAY MAY 21, 7.30PM (NZT), YARROW STADIUM
1. Jack Wighton
2. Edrick Lee
3. Jarrod Croker (c)
4. Joey Leilua
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Blake Austin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Shannon Boyd
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Josh Papalli
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Luke Bateman
14. Kurt Baptiste
15. Jeff Lima
16. Clay Priest
17. Joe Tapine
18. Sam Williams
19. Frank-Paul Nuuausala
