Canberra Raiders NRL preseason trial against Sydney Roosters moved to Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan to avoid COVID-19 complications

Originally scheduled for Leichhardt Oval, the trial has been shifted out of Sydney in a pre-emptive move against any future COVID-19 outbreaks in the Harbour City which would potentially force the Raiders squad into lockdown for two weeks on the eve of the NRL season.

Canberra will host the 2018 and 2019 premiers on February 27, four-and-a-half months after ending the Roosters' NRL title defence at the Sydney Cricket Ground in October last year.

The match is not expected to be open to the general public, but Raiders officials will work with local government in Queanbeyan to explore the possibility of admitting members and corporate guests.

It marks the first time the Raiders have played in Queanbeyan since they hosted the Newcastle Knights in a preseason fixture in 2017.

"This risk minimisation measure will ensure a greater likelihood of the game going ahead, and minimise potential impacts on player movements leading into the competition start two weeks later," a Raiders statement said.

Wests Tigers were Canberra's initial trial opponents this preseason while the Roosters were set to play Manly, but that changed after the NRL fixture was released. Round one already pits the Raiders against the Tigers, while Manly are take on the Roosters.

Bega was set to host the Raiders in a preseason trial, but that has been pushed back 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Newcastle was also in the mix to host the Raiders at one stage before the decision was made to move to Queanbeyan.

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Former Raider Terry Campese has welcomed the decision to play the trial in his home town.

"You can't beat the suburban grounds," Campese said.

"The fans are right there on the fence and they can hear everything they say whether it's good or bad but that's what rugby league's about, the banter and getting people coming to watch.

"I've already had phone calls today and what's the go with seating and how many people are allowed in, what's happening with the boxes.

"I'm sure that it'll be very very popular especially being the Roosters, one of the teams that people love to hate, or love at the moment.

"It's going to be huge I think. Two of the top teams in the comp at the moment."

The trial is likely to feature several Raiders players who missed most of last season through injury with the likes of Corey Horsburgh, Emre Guler and Bailey Simonsson all expected to line up.

Englishman Ryan Sutton is also in the mix after missing last year's finals series with a knee injury.

Coach Ricky Stuart has an abundance of middle-forward riches available for his side's round one opener against the Tigers, with Josh Papalii, Sia Soliola, Dunamis Lui, Guler, Sutton, Joseph Tapine and new recruit Ryan James all fighting for selection.

Horsburgh will likely not be available for round one after being charged with a low-range drink driving offense over the festive period.

The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter, but won't hand out a punishment to Horsburgh until after his appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court on February 23.

It is expected Horsburgh will be fined and suspended for at least one match.

Corey Harawira-Naera is also facing sanction for what is believed to be a mid-range drink-driving offense over the same period.

He has been vying to fill the back row spot vacated by John Bateman but is now facing his own stint on the sideline.

The New Zealander is expected to be dealt with more harshly by the NRL Integrity Unit, having been caught up in a preseason scandal before the start of last season while still contracted with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Harawira-Naera was deregistered for the incident alongside Bulldogs teammate Jayden Okunbor, before being re-instated on appeal.

He left the Bulldogs in July and joined the Raiders on a two-and-a-half year deal.