A rejigged Canberra Raiders line-up for their round 14 clash against the Broncos this weekend sees stars return from suspension and injury and a backline shuffle.
Forward pack leaders Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine return from suspension and injury respectively as the suspended Ryan James and injured Corey Horsburgh both make way.
Papalii and Tapine will both be raring to go after seeing their middle forward teammates get dominated in recent weeks, with the world-class duo sorely missed.
Exciting 21-year-old outside back Matt Timoko will play his first match of NRL since round 20 last year at right centre.
Timoko replaces Curtis Scott following the announcement he would be stood down indefinitely as an investigation into his involvement in an alleged nightclub brawl takes place.
Bailey Simonsson has been named at fullback with Caleb Aetkins dropped to reserves. Simonsson last wore the number 1 for the Raiders against the Warriors in 2019.
Semi Valemei will play on the left wing outside Sebastian Kris after missing the round 12 match against the Roosters due to a hamstring complaint.
Jack Wighton has been named in the side and will be assessed following his appearance for NSW in State of Origin tomorrow night.
Coming back after the bye, the week off couldn’t have come at a better time for the green machine, who have lost seven of their last eight matches.
The home match against the 15th placed Broncos will be as good an opportunity the Raiders will get to earn a spot back on the winner’s list.
For the Brisbane Broncos, all eyes will be on Karmichael Hunt as he returns to the NRL arena for his first match since 2009 following stints in the AFL and with rugby union. He has been named at five-eighth to partner fellow veteran Albert Kelly in the halves.
Herbie Farnworth has been named at fullback for Brisbane, with Jamayne Isaako dropped from the squad.
The Broncos will come to Canberra smelling green blood in the water as they look to make amends after been belted by St. George Illawarra 52-24 last weekend.
The Canberra Raiders host the Brisbane Broncos at GIO Stadium 12 June 2021, 7.35pm; see the full team lists here.
