'He's very important to us': Raiders wrap stars in cotton wool as round one team takes shape

It provides the added bonus of giving young halves Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange every opportunity to stake their claim to face the Newcastle Knights in their season opener.

Stuart's also held back veteran Jordan Rapana from any pre-season trial action, with the 34-year-old set play something of a utility role.

If either Albert Hopoate or Chevy Stewart can make the fullback role their own, then Stuart will use Rapana on a wing.

Otherwise, he could wear the No.1 jersey come round one in Newcastle on March 7.

Maori All Stars captain Joe Tapine will also skip the Raiders' final trial - against the North Queensland Cowboys at Seiffert Oval on Sunday - while suspended duo Sebastian Kris and Corey Horsburgh also miss out.

Fogarty's resting means both five-eighth candidates, Weekes and Strange, will steer the Green Machine against the Cowboys.

Weekes appeared to be slightly ahead of Strange in the battle to replace Jack Wighton in the No.6 jersey following his efforts in the trial win over Parramatta.

But they'll both get one final chance to impress Stuart on Sunday.

"[Fogarty's] had a really strong off-season. He's healthy. He's very important to us and I want to give as much game time to the other two boys to see who is going to get to partner him first up," Stuart said.

"Both of the boys have been exceptional with their hard work in the off-season, their performances last Saturday.

"One, maybe two will be picked [for round one], but they're both going to be integral parts of the plan going forward.

"They're both going to be playing first grade this year. I'm really happy with their progression."

With Rapana's omission, Hopoate's been given the next shot at the Canberra No.1 jersey, with young fullback Stewart named on an extended bench.

Stewart performed well in the custodian role in last weekend's trial against Parramatta to put his hand up for an NRL debut this season.

Hopoate, Rapana and Stewart have all spent time training at fullback throughout the pre-season.

Rapana's obviously a wing option as well, with Michael Asomua emerging as a bolter for round one.

Asomua was named on the wing, along with Xavier Savage, while Nick Cotric was on the bench.

Stuart said the performance against the Cowboys could determine where Rapana plays round one.

"I'll make that decision as we go. It'll depend on how our fullbacks go," he said.

"If the fullbacks do well I'll throw him on the wing."

Savage has a chance to nail down one wing having moved back there following a stint at fullback.

He looked dangerous in the new role in the trial win over the Eels.

Now Asomua has a chance to impress.

"He did play well and he's a young guy who I want to see start a game," Stuart said.

"I've seen a number of trials where he comes on and plays. I'd like to see him get a start, see where he's at.

"But Nick was really good last week. It's not a demotion so to speak for Nick.

"There's only two wing spots and I've got a number of wingers, and I've just got to give the guys an opportunity to make it fair on everybody who is pushing a claim for first grade."

James Schiller, the nephew of Raiders legend Brett Mullins, is a step closer to locking up a centre spot alongside Matt Timoko for round one, after starring against Parramatta.

Kris controversially finishes his ban with the Knights clash in Newcastle on March 7 and will be available for round two.

That's opened the door for Schiller to cement a spot on the left edge.

Stuart's named all three hookers, with Danny Levi given the start for the final trial.

Tom Starling's No.14 again, while Zac Woolford's on the extended bench.

England international Morgan Smithies was at lock, while Hohepa Puru's on the bench after impressing in the Indigenous All Stars camp last week.

That's not the only battle amongst the middle forwards - Emre Guler, Trey Mooney, Peter Hola, Pasami Saulo and Ata Mariota have all been named.

It will be Raiders' fans first chance to see former Penrith second-rower Zac Hosking in lime green.

NRL PRE-SEASON TRIAL

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys at Seiffert Oval, 3pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Albert Hopoate, 2. Michael Asomua, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. James Schiller, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Kaeo Weekes, 7. Ethan Strange, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Emre Guler, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead (c), 13. Morgan Smithies. Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Nick Cotric, 16. Trey Mooney, 17. Jed Stuart, 18. Chevy Stewart, 19. Adam Cook, 20. Peter Hola, 21. Mitch Henderson, 22. Zac Hosking, 23. Simi Sasagi, 24. Pasami Saulo, 25. Ata Mariota, 26. Hohepa Puru, 27. Zac Woolford.