The Canberra Raiders face another week of disruption as they deal with more NRL player unavailability enforced by COVID-19 and injuries.

The Raiders lost halfback Jamal Fogarty (knee) and centre Seb Kris (COVID-19) in the build-up to their 24-19 NRL round one win over Cronulla and must now navigate more absences as they prepare to take on North Queensland on Saturday.

Fogarty’s replacement Brad Schneider (COVID-19) has been ruled out, while experienced hooker Josh Hodgson (knee) is sidelined for up to a month and winger Jordan Rapana remains suspended.

In a boost for coach Ricky Stuart, starting front-rowers Joe Tapine and Josh Papalii are expected to be available for the trip to Queensland despite indicating a reluctance to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

“It shows that we have that next man-in mentality,” centre Matt Timoko said.

“That’s what we’ve been training for from the start of pre-season.

“Ricky pulled all of us young boys aside and said we’d be called upon at some time throughout the year.”

The absence of Schneider opens the door for one of experienced playmakers Matt Frawley and Sam Williams to get the nod at No.7.

Young hooker Adrian Trevilyan is another option to provide back-up to Tom Starling.

“This is going to happen throughout the season,” winger Nick Cotric said.

“There’ll be little disappointments with COVID-19 and whatnot.

“The boys have been training well so they should fit right into the system.

“He (Trevilyan) had a great pre-season and he went well in the trial match.”

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