The Canberra Raiders have named a strong 25-man squad for their trial match against Manly in Gosford tomorrow night, 25 February.

New recruit Jamal Fogarty will have his first opportunity to line up for the club at halfback and will partner with Jack Wighton in the halves for the first time.

Young gun Xavier Savage will get another chance to impress at fullback with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad ruled out after a positive COVID test.

The returning Nick Cotric will play his first game in Raiders colours since 2020 after being named on the wing, while Matt Timoko comes into the centres.

The big guns have returned to the forward pack with Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine named in the front row and co-captain Elliott Whitehead on an edge.

Josh Hodgson will start at hooker with Tom Starling to come off the bench.

Canberra’s other co-captain Jarrod Croker has been named on an extended bench after a successful return from knee surgery last week, playing more than half a game against the Roosters.

Manly have also named a strong team as they prepare for round one, with star fullback Tom Trbojevic the headline act.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran will start in the halves while Martin Tapau and Jake Trbojevic have also been named.

Raiders and Manly trial squads

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