Fifteen NRL clubs are gearing up for the second match of the season, while the Wests Tigers will play their first NRL match since being awarded their second consecutive wooden spoon.
Unfortunately, several representatives are in doubt to play this weekend including Cameron Munster, Siosifa Talakai, Josh Addo-Carr and Mitchell Moses, among others.
Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers
The Raiders will be given a major inclusion this week. Seb Kris returns from suspension and slots right into the centres. His return will see Albert Hopate move to the wing, with Nick Cotric making way.
Although he didn't excel in the club's opening game, it's hard to see Ricky Stuart drop Ethan Strange from the halves, but he may decide to go with recruit Kaeo Weekes.
It is understood that hooker Danny Levi is dealing with a quad injury but is expected to play against the Tigers, per News Corp. Zac Woolford will remain on standby.
Captain Elliott Whitehead will remain on the sidelines with a calf injury, while Zac Hosking will remain in the starting team. Expect Hohepa Puru to be brought onto the bench after an amazing NSW Cup performance.
Projected Round 2 Team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Hohepa Puru
The Wests Tigers are set to unearth young gun Lachlan Galvin this weekend, but it is understood that if he is selected, he will be entering from the interchange bench.
The departure of David Nofoaluma has also created a vacant spot on the wing that former Panther Charlie Staines is likely to fill.
Projected Round 2 Team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Justin Olam 4. Starford To'a 5. Junior Tupou 6. Aidan Sezer 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. John Bateman 13. Alex Seyfarth 14. Lachlan Galvin 15. Alex Twal 16. Fonua Pole 17. Samuela Fainu
