Canberra Raiders skipper Elliott Whitehead backs young gun Sebastian Kris to shine in fullback Xavier Savage's absence

But then the Raiders co-captain quickly turns to backing Sebastian Kris to get the fullback job done in Xavier Savage's (jaw) absence.

Kris could get first crack at covering his good mate Savage's absence against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday.

Stuart also has veteran winger Jordan Rapana, plus Albert Hopoate and Harley Smith-Shields as options.

Whitehead felt Kris's first half at fullback in their pre-season trial against Wests Tigers was good, with the 23-year-old working on his talk to organise the Raiders' defensive line.

Savage will be absent for the opening few rounds of the NRL campaign after breaking his jaw in the Raiders' opening trial.

Given Whitehead has played almost everywhere else for the Green Machine, he was jokingly shocked he wasn't given a crack at the custodian role.

"I'm surprised he hasn't tried throwing me there to be honest - he's thrown me everywhere else," he said.

"It is a hard role, but he's a fit kid and his talk's starting to get there now.

"You can feel him getting more confident in that role and I'm sure he'll fit in really well and get better and better each week."

Raiders prop Josh Papali'i, who is in doubt to face the Cowboys with a calf injury, backed whoever was given the job.

Losing Savage was already a big blow, but if they were to lose Papali'i as well then it would make the trip to Townsville an even tougher task.

The Raiders were desperate to get off to a good start this season - having stumbled out of the blocks last year due to injuries to a number of key players.

Papali'i said they were determined to ensure they weren't "chasing their tails" again.

It's one of the reasons why the Raiders will stay up in Queensland after their round-one clash against the Cowboys and prepare for the Redcliffe Dolphins on the Sunshine Coast.

"Very important. The last couple of years we've been chasing our tails a bit and it would be nice to get off to a good start and then hopefully back it up with Redcliffe," Papali'i said.

"That's our goal at the moment - go up to Townsville and hopefully do a job up there, then go to Redcliffe."

While the Green Machine will be without part of their spine, they will at least start the season with both of their halves.

Last year halfback Jamal Fogarty (knee) missed the first half of the season, before returning to help the Raiders get on a roll and force their way into the top eight.

Fogarty's combination with star five-eighth Jack Wighton has had another pre-season to develop and Papali'i felt that was crucial for Canberra's hopes of flying out of the blocks.

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Last year they only won two of their opening eight games, but were able to turn things around in the back-half of the season to sneak into the finals.

"They're massive to the team and our spine players are very important to the Raiders, and definitely those two," Papali'i said.

"Those combinations are pretty well sorted now and they're firing at the right time.

"I can't wait for those two to play again together and hopefully get us off to a good start."

Whitehead was also looking to start the season well.

He had a cracking World Cup for England - helping them make the semi-finals before bowing out.

But the Raiders co-captain said that was in the past and he had to start again for the Green Machine.

"I always enjoy playing for England, but it's the Raiders now so I've moved on from that," Whitehead said.

"Hopefully I can start with some good form and continue that into the season."

NRL ROUND ONE

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

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