Raiders name Drew at hooker

The Canberra Raiders have named Brad Drew at hooker for Saturday night?s clash with North Queensland and have confirmed that veteran Ruben Wiki will captain the side in the absence of Simon Woolford.

Woolford, the Raiders? regular hooker and captain, today submitted an early guilty plea on a high tackle charge and was suspended for one match.

Drew was emerging as one of the best hookers in the game while at Penrith some years ago, but was playing in Craig Gower?s shadow and hence moved to the Eels. When that didn?t work out either, Drew found a home in the nation?s capital.

While he again finds himself in another player?s shadow, Drew has been more comfortable and settled at Canberra and has found a regular position as an interchange player.

This weekend?s game with the Cowboys, however, gives him a chance to prove his worth.

Alan Tongue and James Evans are both back from injury and have been named on a 5-man bench, to be reduced prior to the match.

Raiders team v Cowboys: Clinton Schifcofske, Joel Monaghan, Jason Bulgarelli, Adam Mogg, Michael Robertson, Terry Campese, Mark McLinden, Ryan O'Hara, Brad Drew, Luke Davico, Ruben Wiki (c), Ian Hindmarsh, Terry Martin. Bench: Tyran Smith, Michael Hodgson, Ben Cross, Alan Tongue, James Evans