Ricky Stuart insists he is not disrespecting the Wests Tigers by resting Jarrod Croker next week so the Canberra captain can play his 300th NRL game in front of the Raiders' home crowd.
Canberra will travel to face South Sydney looking to respond to a dismal game against Manly last weekend, with some key faces missing from their line-up.
Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has shut down any doubt about his fitness for State of Origin, scoring a hat-trick as his side smashed Canberra 42-14 in the NRL.
Long-time Queensland prop Josh Papalii has announced his retirement from State of Origin football, leaving Billy Slater to look elsewhere for front-row options.
Fan favourite Jordan Rapana and star on the rise Albert Hopoate have re-signed with the Canberra Raiders ahead of their clash with Manly on Sunday afternoon.
Parramatta's Junior Paulo has avoided suspension for a dangerous tackle on Canberra's Joe Tapine, remaining available for the State of Origin series opener.
