The Raiders have been dealt a huge blow hours out from their do-or-die semi-final clash with Cronulla, with five-eighth Ethan Strange ruled out due to illness.
Strange has played a starring role in Canberra's campaign and was set to start in the halves alongside Jamal Fogarty.
"Strange has fallen ill overnight and will unable to take his place on the field this evening," a club statement on Saturday morning read.
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In his place, Simi Sasagi is set to play at five-eighth, while Matty Nicholson has been elevated onto the interchange bench.
At just 21 years old, Strange has emerged as one of the competition's best young playmakers, crossing for 14 tries so far this season, as well as assisting 12 more.
His desperation and toughness in defence has also earned him plenty of praise from around the competition.
Sasagi has been a regular in Ricky Stuart's side this season, although most of his appearances have come off the bench, while his starts have been limited to backrow and centre.
It remains to be seen exactly how the Raiders will line up at GIO Stadium on Saturday night, with Stuart no doubt looking at all options to replace the impact of Strange.
Highly rated young no. 6 Ethan Sanders remains in the extended squad and could be called upon as a more like-for-like replacement.
Cronulla's 17 is unchanged.
Canberra Raiders team vs. Cronulla Sharks
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matt Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Jed Stuart
15. Simi Sasagi
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
16. Morgan Smithies
17. Ata Mariota
18. Matty Nicholson
19. Danny Levi
21. Ethan Sanders