The Canberra Raiders have made three changes for their blockbuster clash against the Parramatta Eels on Thursday night at Cbus Super Stadium.

Star five-eighth Jack Wighton will miss at least one match with a rib injury and has been replaced by Matt Frawley for his second NRL game this season. Frawley’s only game so far this season was two weeks ago against Manly where he played a crucial role in the side’s victory.

Young gun Xavier Savage was dealt a cruel blow, suffering a season ending shoulder injury during his outstanding performance at fullback in the Raiders 34-18 victory over Cronulla last week. In his absence, Jordan Rapana has shifted to fullback with Harley Smith-Shields coming in for his first game this season on the wing.

Matt Timoko has been named on the bench with Ryan James dropping out of the 17. Co-captain Elliott Whitehead will miss another match with a shoulder injury.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said he felt for Savage but knows he’ll get another crack.

“I really feel for Xavier as he has worked extremely hard since last November to get to play NRL,” Stuart said.

“His commitment to hard work got him his start and I know that attitude will get him back there.”

Meanwhile, the Eels have welcomed back Junior Paulo to the front row while Blake Ferguson returns on the wing. Mitchell Moses is out indefinitely with a broken back with Jake Arthur to play halfback.

Raiders and Eels team lists