Canberra Raiders duo Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine cleared to play North Queensland Cowboys

Thankfully it arrived before Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine boarded the plane to fly to Townsville to play the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday.

The Raiders duo were granted medical exemptions on Thursday to allow them to play in Queensland without getting vaccinated for influenza.

They were embroiled in the flu shot saga that erupted when the NRL first returned from the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

The NRL agreed to make it compulsory for all players and coaching staff as they looked to get back on the field as quickly as possible.

Papalii and Tapine have stood by their original decision not to get the injection and have eventually been cleared by the Queensland government to play.

It would have been a big blow to the Green Machine if they weren't granted - not only because they're two of their best forwards, but also because of the injury crisis that has hit the Raiders' middles.

Plus the Cowboys boast Jason Taumalolo - one of the most destructive ball runners in the NRL.

NRL ROUND 12

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys at Townsville, 5.30pm.

Raiders team list: 1. Jordan Rapana, 2. Semi Valemei, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Hudson Young. Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Joe Tapine, 16. Ryan Sutton, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Harley Smith-Shields, 20. Kai O'Donnell, 21. Matt Frawley.

Cowboys team list: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O'Neill, 4. Connelly Lemuelu, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Daejarn Asi, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Shane Wright, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Jason Taumalolo (c). Interchange: 14. Mitch Dunn, 15. Tom Gilbert,16. Gavin Cooper, 17. Francis Molo. Reserves: 18. John Asiata, 19. Ben Hampton, 20. Esan Marsters, 21. Jake Granville.