Young star Xavier Savage has been named to make his NRL return on the wing as the Raiders take on the Bulldogs in the NRL’s Magic Round opener this Friday.

After featuring in the last two NSW Cup matches, the 21-year-old will now play his first NRL game of the season and replaces Albert Hopoate who will miss the match to attend his sister’s wedding.

Savage was the club’s preferred fullback option heading into the 2023 season, but he missed the opening seven rounds of the season after fracturing his jaw in a trial.

Sebastian Kris got the spot in Savage’s absence and after a somewhat slow start, has grown into the role strongly in recent matches and has retained his number 1 jersey.

The Raiders have made just one other change to the side that beat the Dolphins 31-30 last week, with Ata Matiota returning from injury and Corey Harawira-Naera dropping to the reserves.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have made a few changes to the depleted side that defeated the Dragons 18-16 last week.

Braidon Burns will miss through injury and is replaced by the returning Jacob Kiraz on the wing. Max King and Franklin Pele come into the side to boost the Dogs’ forward pack.