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Curtis Scott

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart confirmed high-profile new recruit Curtis Scott will line up for the Raiders for the first time when they take on the Canterbury Bulldogs in Port Macquarie on Saturday.

Scott has been in the spotlight after pleading not guilty to six charges after accusations he assaulted police in late January.

The NRL is still investigating the matter and Scott's case is due for mention in court on March 20 a week after the Raiders' season opener.

Despite charges hanging over his head, Stuart said Scott was looking forward to striking up combinations with Bailey Simonsson on the Raiders' right edge.

"He's playing this weekend, that's still to be dealt with by the powers that be, but he's available to play this weekend," Stuart said of Scott.

"He's looking playing to playing some football, he's remorseful in regard to what's happened.

"It's been an ongoing situation and I can genuinely say he's remorseful of the choices and the situation he's got himself into."

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The clash with the Bulldogs will also be the club debut for Canberra's other big-name off-season recruit, English halfback George Williams.

Stuart revealed Williams has had limited training time with halves partner Jack Wighton following a niggling thigh injury.

However he had no concerns in naming the Wigan-born star in the likely 26-man squad the Raiders will take to Port Macquarie.

"I'm just hoping he finds a little bit of cohesion and combination with Jack," Stuart said of Williams.

"He's played a lot of football with Josh Hodgson from an international point of view but he hasn't been able to do a lot of training with Jack.

"He's had a thigh injury and he's been out of the main sessions for three or four weeks out of the five or six weeks we've had.

"So, getting 50 or 60 minutes together will be really important for those boys (Williams and Wighton) and then we'll work into it as the season progresses."

The only first-choice Raider not expected to see extended game time this weekend is John Bateman, who is unlikely to be fit to play in round one of the Telstra Premiership as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery.

Stuart revealed some players were carrying niggling injuries following a punishing off-season, as they look to go one step further this season following their heart-breaking grand final loss to the Sydney Roosters.

The Raiders' recent pattern of only one trial game has continued this season, with Stuart saying he does not want to risk serious injury at this time of the year.

"Early in my career as a coach we always had two trials, but over a long time I have always elected to only have one," he said.

"Because they train very hard here and we can get match fitness, as much as 40 to 50 minutes, if we train correctly and get our [training] loads and collisions at training where there is less risk."

On-field tributes are expected this weekend from the Raiders following the passing of their foundation coach and legendary administrator Don Furner Snr on Monday night.

Acknowledgement of Country

Canberra Raiders respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.