Papalii says Blake’s fine

JOSH Papalii has backed Canberra teammate Blake Austin to bounce back from his axing.

The former Dally M fiveeighth of the year was omitted from the winless Raiders’ 17 for Saturday night’s clash with Manly at Brookvale.

Former Warriors half Ata Hingano will make his Raiders debut from the interchange bench, after linking up with Ricky Stuart’s side less than two weeks before the start of the season.

“He’ll be all right because I know Blake as a player and a person, so he’ll bounce back pretty quick,” Papalii said.

Injured players Aidan Sezer and Sia Soliola have been named in the side.