Canberra Raiders gun ruled out of semi final in bombshell blow

Tom Naghten

Canberra Raiders gun ruled out of semi final in bombshell blow image

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.

MORE: NRL semi finals preview

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 

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.