The Canberra Raiders are continuing to search for consistency in their team line-up as they look to respond to their disappointing round-two loss.

Nick Cotric has failed to prove his fitness after a quad injury and will miss despite earlier being named on the wing, while they will need to find a more long-term solution at hooker after Josh Hodgson was ruled out for the season earlier this week.

But it is not all bad news for the Raiders, with star winger Jordan Rapana and young halfback Brad Schneider back in the side after dealing with suspension and COVID respectively.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said both could prove huge in an important early-season contest.

“(Rapana is) one of our characters and the boys get a buzz around him … his experience back on the edge will be good,” he told reporters.

“We were looking forward to getting (Schneider) back, which for a second-gamer is a big wrap.

“He’s got a neat little kicking game and he needs to do his own job so others can do theirs … he’s a cool and calm young guy which is great for the position he plays.”

Stuart admitted it was “a bit unfair” starting Matt Frawley at halfback in last week’s 26-6 defeat to North Queensland, having spent much of the off-season training to play hooker.

He shifts to the bench utility role this week where he can deputise for Tom Starling at hooker as well as in the halves.

But a lift across the park and particularly with ball security will be vital in Saturday night’s match at GIO Stadium, after they coughed up possession 15 times against the Cowboys.

Defence will also be critical against a Titans side as no team has scored more points in the competition’s opening two games.

“It’s pretty simple – we just can’t keep giving the opposition opportunities with the football,” Stuart said.

“It was poor play from us last week in regards to turnovers and errors we made, it just makes it too hard.

“In this competition, teams that have good possession get field position and put too much pressure on you and stretch you out defensively. 

“They’re a very good attacking team … if we keep turning the footy over they’re gonna make you pay.”

The Canberra Raiders take on the Gold Coast Titans at GIO Stadium, Canberra this Saturday 26 March 7.35pm.

By Alex Mitchell in Canberra, AAP

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