Canberra Raiders given until 11th hour

Stuart will name his 21 to face the Gold Coast Titans on Tuesday and looks set to include Joe Tapine (ankle), Curtis Scott (ribs), Hudson Young (knee), Ryan James (concussion) and Sebastian Kris (concussion).

They'll be given until the 11^th hour to prove their fitness for the clash on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

While James and Kris were progressing well through their concussion protocols, the game might come too soon for Tapine and Scott.

The fact they're even a chance is a good sign, especially with the Green Machine travelling to Penrith to face the Panthers the following week.

Canberra has plenty of depth in the middles, with Dunamis Lui, Corey Horsburgh, Emre Guler and Corey Harawira-Naera all options to come in if needed.

Kris would be a natural option for Scott, but if he doesn't get passed fit either then Matthew Timoko could come in.

"They are tracking well. Both the HIA boys, Seb and Ryan, have presented very well [on Monday] at training," Stuart said.

"They've gone through all the right avenues with our doctor and to date we are happy with their status.

"Curtis and Joe are the players in doubt. I'll know more by the back end of the week.

"I'll more than likely name them [on Tuesday] and give them every chance to play, but it could be there's a degree of unlikeliness they'll both play. It's very slim though.

"I'll be naming Hudson and giving him every opportunity to play too."

MORE RAIDERS NEWS

Raiders prop Ryan Sutton was confident whoever played would be able to do the job.

The Raiders have won their past four games against the Titans, although Gold Coast have recruited well with David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui joining the ranks.

Sutton backed the introduction of an 18^th man, with the NRL currently investigating the idea.

There were a raft of injuries over the weekend, with the Raiders playing most of the game with only one payer on the bench - while Cronulla didn't have anyone to call on for the entire second half.

Sutton felt the speed of the game meant the chances of players having head knocks was high.

He said the new rules meant the ball was in play more.

The 18^th man is something that's was introduced into the reserve-grade NSW Cup last year.

"I do think it's a good concept because in the game that we're playing and the speed we're playing and the physicality it is the odds of a concussion are quite high, or the odds of having a head clash is quite high," Sutton said.

"Having the 18th man on the bench and ready to go is a great concept and something that's been put in practice in the NSW comp as well."

NRL ROUND FOUR

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans at the Gold Coast, 7.35pm.