Josh Papalii will return to the Canberra Raiders side for their match against the Newcastle Knights at McDonald’s Park in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 8 May.

Papalii returns to the starting side after being rested for the Raiders loss to the Rabbitohs last week. His inclusion sees Ryan James move onto the extended bench.

George Williams (hamstring) and Sebastian Kris (ankle) have both been named after passing fitness tests.

Williams’ inclusion sees Elliott Whitehead shift back to the second row, Hudson Young to the bench and Sia Soliola drop out of the squad.

Co-captains Josh Hodgson (calf) and Jarrod Croker (shoulder) are still at least another week away as they recover from injury. Whitehead will captain the side once again in their absence.

With Hodgson out, Tom Starling retains the starting hooker spot where he has impressed over the last two weeks.

The 9th placed Raiders are desperate for are win as they look to snap a four-game losing streak in Wagga when they face a Knights side missing halfaback Blake Green.

Green is out injured with Phoenix Crossland named in the number 7 jersey as his replacement, while Hymel Hunt returns on the wing.

Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Tex Hoy have been named on the extended bench, opening the possibility for their returns from injury.

The Knights are also in need of a win after dropping five of their previous six matches to sit 11th on the lader.

Full Raiders and Knights team lists