Newcastle's hopes of cementing their spot in the NRL's top eight have been dealt a major blow, with star centre Bradman Best ruled out of Sunday's match against Canberra due to a calf injury.
Best picked up a low-grade calf strain during the Knights' impressive 30-6 victory over Brisbane last round. The NSW State of Origin representative's setback is unwelcome for Newcastle (12-8), who sit just two points clear of ninth place and are aiming to celebrate prop Tyson Frizell's 300th NRL game at GIO Stadium.
Best's injury-plagued season
The injury is the latest in a stop-start campaign for Best, who has also battled groin and calf issues earlier in the season. Fletcher Hunt will shift into the centres, while teenager Toby Winter moves onto the bench.
The news comes as Canberra coach Ricky Stuart revealed his side's hopes of victory will rest on halfback Ethan Sanders' kicking game.
Raiders' finals hopes on the line
The Raiders (9-11) must secure a win on Sunday to keep their slim finals hopes alive and maintain a chance of a winning record. However, torrential rain is expected to disrupt play, forcing the 11th-placed side to adapt their usual fast-paced, hard-running style.
Stuart is relying on Sanders to shoulder extra responsibility in the wet conditions.
“It (kicking game) is important in every game, but when you’re playing in wet, slippery conditions it is important,” Stuart said.
“You’re going to play a little bit of a different style of game, but we’ve seen the forecast. It was meant to be very windy and now it’s probably forecasted not as much wind, but it’s going to be wet here.”
Raiders welcome back key players
Canberra will welcome back centre Simi Sasagi from a hamstring strain as they look to rebound from a disappointing 42-18 loss to Penrith last Saturday. Second-rower Joe Roddy is also poised to play his first game off the bench since breaking his hand in round nine and undergoing surgery.
“Then last week, there was something wrong with his ankle or whatnot,” Stuart said. “It’s been disappointing that he hasn’t got more game time this year because it’s what’s needed for him at this stage of his career. But it’s good to have him back now. He’s a good trainer. He’s a great bloke to have around the camp.”
