Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart will name key duo Jack Wighton and Elliott Whitehead for their big clash against the Newcastle Knights at Lang Park on Saturday.
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The pair will undergo fitness tests on Wednesday as they look to put respective rib and shoulder injuries behind them.
Canberra lock Ryan Sutton looks set to miss one week due to a chest injury after it looked like he might be able to overcome the problem he picked up against Parramatta in time to face the Knights.
Wighton has missed one game due to a rib cartilage problem he picked up in the win over Cronulla, but could return to the Raiders halves to partner Sam Williams if he gets through the contact session on Wednesday.
Whitehead has missed three games so far due to a shoulder injury he suffered against the Gold Coast Titans.
They're the only three games he's missed due to injury since joining the Green Machine in 2016.
Stuart said he wouldn't risk either of the star duo if they don't pull up well.
He can take great confidence from the performance the Raiders put in without the pair in the win over Parramatta.
"It'll be great to have them back in the 17, but I certainly won't risk them at this stage of the year," Stuart said.
"It's very important they come back without any fear of getting through the game.
"But they're training well so far and I've been happy with their progression."
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Stuart said the confidence and belief was back in the Green Machine off the back of their winning streak.
They had gone through a tough three months, winning just two of 11 games, before their return to form.
"We had a good session [Monday]. The guys have been really upbeat in camp and there's a bit of confidence and belief around their football at the moment," Stuart said.
"Which is good because that's when they play well and live well.
"They're mentally in a good frame of mind, physically working hard and enjoying their football.
"It's a big part of a long season. The more you can enjoy your football, the more you can enjoy your training, the easier it becomes and the better you play."
NRL ROUND 20
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights at Lang Park, 5.30pm.
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David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
