Raiders pay tribute to 1989 champions with special jerseys

The Green Machine will wear special jerseys for their clash against the Wests Tigers on Saturday afternoon to celebrate 30 years since the club's inaugural premiership.

Each player will have a 1989 Raiders name embroidered on the middle of their chest to correspond with the player who wore that number in the famous grand final.

Many believe the Raiders win against the Tigers 30 years ago was the best grand final of all time after Canberra stole victory in extra time.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart, who played in the Raiders' three premierships, has pushed for modern-day players to reconnect with the past.

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It led to the Raiders launching a hall of fame this year and the club will host a dinner on Friday night before the round 18 match.

And the best reminder will be honouring the players who have previously worn their jersey by displaying their 1989 details.

For example, Jarrod Croker will have Mal Meninga's name and Raiders number on his jumper and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will have Gary Belcher's.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"Ever since I've come to this club they've spoken about their history, what it means to them and the premierships that this club has won that's come off the back of those legends.

"I was fortunate enough to meet some of them at our [season launch] and I'm looking forward to meeting some more and getting around those I have met.

"They're legends to us. We're lifting weights and those players came through that same gym."

The Raiders have been forced to make two changes to their team, with Ryan Sutton still struggling with a calf injury and Nick Cotric suspended for three weeks after pleading guilty to a dangerous throw.

Michael Oldfield will move to the centres to replace Cotric, while Aidan Sezer will stay at halfback ahead of Sam Williams.

NRL ROUND 18

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 5.30pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker (C), 4. Michael Oldfield, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson (C), 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Corey Horsburgh, 16. Sia Soliola, 17. Emre Guler, 18. Sam Williams, 19. Royce Hunt, 20. Jack Murchie, 21. JJ Collins.

Tigers squad: 1. Corey Thompson, 2. Paul Momirovski, 3. Moses Mbye, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. David Nofoaluma, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Josh Aloiai, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Ryan Matterson, 12. Chris Lawrence. Interchange: 13. Matt Eisenhuth, 14. Jacob Liddle, 15. Thomas Mikaele, 16. Elijah Taylor, 17. Michael Chee-Kam, 18. Tommy Talau, 19. Chris McQueen, 20. Luke Garner, 21. Oliver Clark.