No John, no worries

CANBERRA forward Josh Papalii is confident the Raiders can overpower a “massive” Sydney Roosters pack when they clash in the NRL, even without England international John Bateman.

Papalii and Bateman have been Canberra’s best forwards this season but the latter will miss at least six weeks with a fractured eye socket. The third-placed Raiders face the premiers and competition pacesetters in the showpiece match of Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Queensland star Papalii admits Bateman’s unavailability leaves a hole in Canberra’s mobile pack but believes they have the personnel to upset the Roosters.

“It’s a massive loss with Batey. He’s has been a massive part of why we’ve had such a successful start to the year,” Papalii said.