Jordan Rapana's return bolsters Canberra Raiders ahead of the Storm
He's back baby! Jordan Rapana's famed healing powers have come to the fore yet again, with the Canberra Raiders winger returning from a shoulder reconstruction nine weeks ahead of schedule.
It's a massive boost for the Green Machine ahead of taking on NRL benchmark Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
He'll slot onto his usual right wing alongside centre Joey Leilua, with debutant Bailey Simonsson dropping out of the 17, but he was named on an extended bench.
It's the only change from the side that beat the Gold Coast Titans 21-0 on Sunday night, with Luke Bateman dropping out of the 21.
Rapana dislocated his shoulder twice playing for New Zealand against England late last year, with the Raiders initially indicating a return in rounds 11-13 - which would've been about six months out of the game.
The Raiders considered bringing in cover in the outside backs, with the NRL giving them the lime green light to get salary cap relief under the Josh Hodgson Rule.
But with Rapana's recovery going so well, plus the emergence of Bailey Simonsson after starting the pre-season on a train-and-trial contract, they decided against finding a replacement.
It means "Leipana" will go head to head with the Storm's exciting centre-winger combination of Will Chambers and Josh Addo-Carr.
Michael Oldfield (groin) was still unavailable for selection, but he was expected be fit by rounds 4-6.
More to come
NRL ROUND TWO
Friday: Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm, 6pm. Tickets from Ticketek.
Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson (c), 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Joe Tapine, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. John Bateman. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Sia Soliola, 17. Corey Horsburgh. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. JJ Collins, 20. Bailey Simonsson, 21. Jack Murchie.
Storm squad: 1. Jahrome Hughes, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. William Chambers, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Tui Kamikamika, 17. Pat Kaufusi. Reserves: 18. Marion Seve, 19. Albert Vete, 20. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 21. Billy Walters.