Austin axed by Raiders
RICKY Stuart has reacted to Canberra’s diabolical start to the NRL season by dropping playmaker Blake Austin.
Austin has been chopped from the Raiders’ starting 17 for Saturday’s NRL clash with the under-siege Manly at Lottoland.
Raiders coach Stuart has run out of patience after his side failed to protect a late lead in each of the first three weeks of the competition.
He has replaced the misfiring Austin with former Warrior Ata Hingano on the bench.
After being dropped from the starting side for Sam Williams in the opening three rounds, Austin has now been dropped to reserve grade.
In other teams news, Wests Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall has declared himself a likely starter despite rupturing the lateral ligament in his ankle while Tyrone Peachey will replace the injured Nathan Cleary in the Penrith halves.
As well, Matt Moylan and Luke Lewis return for Cronulla and Will Smith will take the Parramatta No. 1 jersey following injuries to Bevan French and Jarryd Hayne. Marshall initially feared he would have to undergo surgery after suffering his injury in last week’s controversial loss to Brisbane.
The injury usually requires one to two weeks’ rest, but given the side’s long turnaround the 33-year-old is confident and has been named to take on the Eels. Marshall is yet to train with teammates this week and hopes to take part in the side’s training runs tomorrow or Saturday.
Tui Lolohea has been named on an extended bench and could return if Marshall falls short while youngster Tyson Gamble has also been named in the No. 18 jersey.
With Cleary out for 10 weeks with a knee injury, Panthers coach Anthony Griffin has named Peachey in the halves with Peter Wallace to remain at hooker. Jarome Luai makes his debut off the bench.
Brisbane’s Corey Oates (hip) and Tevita Pangai Jr (hamstring) are replaced by Jonus Pearson and Jaydn Su’a.
North Queensland fullback Lachlan Coote is a chance to return after being included on an extended bench. Lewis (foot) and Moylan (hamstring) will make welcome returns for the Sharks ahead of their showdown with premier Melbourne on Friday.