Josh Papalii has got the green light to suit up for Canberra against St George Illawarra, meaning Sia Soliola will be pacing the Raiders change room for another week.
Soliola was named in the 21 for Saturday’s game at WIN Stadium and was in line to replace Papalii, but Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said his Test prop was set to play after recovering from a shoulder injury.
It would have been Soliola’s first match following his shocking facial fractures in early July.
“He would have come in if Josh was injured but Josh will be fine but so I will get Sia some minutes before the end of the season.
“He was in the change room last week and he didn’t handle it real well watching the boys prepare to play.
“It doesn’t take Sia much to get motivated to play a game.”
Sitting fifth, Canberra need the Roosters to lose two of their remaining three games – due to a far inferior points difference – if they are to move into fourth.
While that’s highly unlikely Stuart said he didn’t want his team to take their eye off the ball.
“Like we treat every game, first or last, we want to win.
“We’d like to take good form into the finals and wherever we come we will deal with that position in the week leading into finals.”
He said taking on a team which was out of the finals race, like the Dragons, could be a danger.
The home side has named exciting youngster Cody Ramsey on the wing and he will make his NRL debut for the Dragons.
Ramsey was joint top scorer at the Perth Nine’ earlier this year, as well as being named in the team of the tournament.
“They’ve been playing a really open brand footy,” Stuart said.
“When the shackles are released and you’re not playing for a position in the eight, it’s gives you freedom and you tend to play a better brand.
“Sometimes for some individuals you play better when there’s no pressure but we can’t fall into that trap, we’ve got to play finals football.”
Stats that Matter
* The Dragons have lost the past two games despite leading with 15 minutes to go in each match.
* Nick Cotric has scored the first try in the past four games against the Dragons, with Matt Dufty scoring the last try in the past three.
* Of all current teams Canberra have their best win percentage against St George Illawarra (61.3 per cent).
Courtesy of Fox Sports.
