Raiders name
team to play the Storm

The Canberra Raiders have named skipper Simon Woolford in their team for Sunday?s match against the Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium, pending tomorrow night?s judiciary hearing.

The Raiders reviewed tapes this morning and decided to contest Woolford?s grade 1 careless high tackle charge resulting from last Sunday?s match against Manly at Brookvale. Woolford?s case is at 6pm.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have replaced their oldest play-maker with their youngest, 18-year-old Todd Carney to take over from 33-year-old Jason Smith in the number six jumper on Sunday.

Smith will miss two games on suspension and is also recovering from a badly bruised sternum, giving Carney his chance in the NRL.

Carney made his NRL debut for the Raiders last season and played four matches, going on to represent the Junior Kangaroos at the end of the year. The Goulburn junior has been dominant in Premier League this season, biding his time for this opportunity.

?It?ll be a big step up but playing a little NRL last year has helped with my form this season,? Carney said. ?I?ve been happy with the way I?m playing and I?m still looking to keep improving.?

Smith has been a key to Canberra?s positive start to 2005, giving the Raiders direction in attack. Carney, who is on a long term contract with the Raiders until the end of 2008, has been watching and learning from Smith.

?I?m going out there to talk and get the team around the paddock like I have been in Premier League, then take my options when they come,? Carney said.

?I?ll probably talk to Smithy before Sunday?s game and get a bit of advice. He?s been going good and it?s going to be a loss for the club, but hopefully I can come in and do the job.?

Forwards Alan Tongue and Michael Hodgson have both been named to make their comebacks from rib injuries, but centre Craig Frawley (calf) and prop Michael Weyman (ankle) will need another week on the sidelines.

1 Clinton Schifcofske 2 Matt Gafa 3 Phil Graham 4 Adam Mogg 5 David Howell 6 Todd Carney 7 Lincoln Withers 8 Ben Cross 9 Simon Woolford 10 Troy Thompson 11 Matt Adamson 12 Kris Kahler 13 Jason Croker

INTERCHANGE 14 Marshall Chalk 15 Josh Miller 16 Alan Tongue 17 Michael Hodgson 18 Ian Hindmarsh 19 Tyran Smith