Will Canberra Raiders star face the Brisbane Broncos? Intrigue around Jack Wighton's selection

Star five-eighth Jack Wighton's been named on the extended bench for the Canberra Raiders' crucial clash against the Brisbane Broncos.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart will give Wighton until the last minute to overcome his hamstring injury for the massive encounter at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

A win will ensure the Green Machine play in the NRL finals, while it could also be enough to earn them a home semi-final as well.

But a loss could mean they go into their final game of the regular season - against the Cronulla Sharks in Cronulla - needing a win to make the top eight.

If Wighton plays, it will be his last regular season game at Canberra Stadium as a Raider, given he's joining South Sydney next season.

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It's a similar story for Wighton's good mate and co-captain Jarrod Croker, who will retire at the end of the campaign.

Stuart's named Matt Frawley in the No.6 jersey, although Wighton could start at five-eighth if he's fit.

Albert Hopoate's been named on the wing, despite a rib cartilage injury forcing him off at half-time in the Raiders' win over Canterbury on Sunday.

Hopoate carried the painful injury into the game, but could only last 40 minutes.

He'll also be given until the 11th hour to see whether he'll be able to manage the pain against the Broncos.

Stuart's named James Schiller on the interchange as cover, while Sebastian Kris (hamstring) has also been named on the extended bench.

If Kris does play his first game since round 23, when he was injured in the win over Wests Tigers, then he could come in at fullback, centre, wing or even as the bench utility.

Raiders flyer Xavier Savage's wait for an NRL return will continue, with the young gun set to play in the NSW Cup after making his return from a hamstring injury on the weekend.

As expected, the Broncos will be without star halfback Adam Reynolds, but they welcome back veteran winger Corey Oates for his 200th NRL game.

NRL ROUND 26

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Jordan Rapana, 2. Albert Hopoate, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Matt Timoko, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Matt Frawley, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papali'i, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joe Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead (c), 13. Corey Horsburgh. Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Emre Guler, 16. James Schiller, 17. Ata Mariota. Reserves: 18. Pasami Saulo, 19. Brad Morkos, 20. Jack Wighton, 21. Sebastian Kris, 22. Adrian Trevilyan.

Broncos squad: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Jock Madden, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: 14. Tyson Smoothy, 15. Brendan Piakura, 16. Kobe Hetherington, 17. Corey Jensen. Reserves: 18. Jesse Arthars, 19. Keenan Palasia, 20. Martin Taupau, 21. Tristan Sailor, 22. Deine Mariner.

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