This was published 7 years ago
NRL: Canberra Raiders hookers Josh Hodgson, Kurt Baptiste pass concussion tests
By David Polkinghorne
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart says both hookers have passed their concussion tests and just have to get through Saturday's training to play the Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
But there's more uncertainty surrounding fullback Jack Wighton (sternum) and forward Sia Soliola's (shoulder, ribs) chances of facing the Knights.
Kurt Baptiste has passed a concussion test and will play the Knights on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
Both Josh Hodgson and his understudy Kurt Baptiste finished last weekend's game against the Gold Coast Titans on the bench after suffering head knocks, but they've passed the concussion protocols this week.
Stuart said neither of them had done any contact work this week and would need to get through the captain's run on Saturday to get the nod.
He was expecting both to be available for selection.
"They haven't trained very much this week, the injured boys, so we'll assess them at the session tomorrow," Stuart said.
"Both the boys passed their cog tests in regards to concussion so we'll just get them through training tomorrow.
"I'm confident both those boys will be right, and then Jack and Sia we'll assess tomorrow."
Former Newcastle Knight Adam Clydsdale and Zac Woolford have both trained with the team in case neither of Stuart's first-choice hookers were ready to face the Knights.
Woolford is the son of former Raiders captain and hooker Simon Woolford.
"It gives young Zac an opportunity to train with the first graders. He's one of our talented, up-and-coming juniors and it's good for him to come up and get a little bit of experience with the NRL team," Stuart said.
Like the two hookers, Wighton and Soliola have been rested this week and will need to get through training on Saturday.
Zac Santo proved he's up to the task of covering Wighton when the fullback was suspended for the Brisbane Broncos game three weeks ago.
He looked comfortable at the back and produced a try-saving tackle against former Raider Anthony Milford.
The Raiders also have cover for Soliola, who has been playing second-row and lock, and can play in the front row.
Lock Luke Bateman has announced himself this season, Shaun Fensom was the 18th man for the victory over the Titans and Clay Priest is another who could come in to replace Soliola.
"We've got to have players ready, when there's a knock on the door they have to be ready physically and mentally to play first grade," Stuart said.
"You never know when that occurs and that's the message that I've sent to the whole squad this week that there are going to be injuries, there are going to be players that are unable to play at certain times in games."
NRL ROUND 17
Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium, 2pm. Tickets from Ticketek.