Ridge named for Titans trip to Canberra

A day after one of Roma's most famous Rugby League exports announced his retirement, a young gun who hails from the same small town will get his chance in the NRL after Jetstar Gold Coast Titans forward Ben Ridge was today named for Saturday's Round 4 clash against the Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium.

The 21-year-old, who grew up idolising his home-town hero Darren Lockyer, was today named by Jetstar Titans Coach John Cartwright as the replacement for injured lock Ashley Harrison (hamstring) ahead of the club's next challenge against the Raiders.

Ridge, a first year electrical apprentice, has played four NRL matches since making his debut for the Jetstar Titans in Round 20 last season against the St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Jubilee Oval.

Cartwright said Ridge was seen as a big part of the Jetstar Titans future and had earned his spot in first grade after an impressive start to the year for Queensland Cup feeder-club the Tweed Heads Seagulls.