Canberra Raiders youngster Ethan Strange is free to play in round one of the NRL season, escaping with a $1,000 fine for a dangerous throw on North Queensland prop Tom Mikaele.

The incident occurred during the second half of Canberra’s 36-26 trial loss to the Cowboys at Seiffert Oval in which Strange scored a brilliant individual try and made some impressive defensive efforts.

The 19-year-old is one of the leading contenders to fill Jack Wighton’s five-eighth role when the Raiders kick off their season against Newcastle next week.

Kaeo Weekes is the other man jostling for Canberra’s number 6 jersey, featuring in both trials and playing solid without setting the world on fire. Strange was probably the more impressive of the two over the two trials but it remains to be seen how Ricky Stuart’s side will line up in round one.

The Raiders start their season against the Knights in Newcastle on Thursday 7 March at 8pm. Click here for ticket details.