pre-season with the inclusions of former Melbourn

[Jin Wah]

Ricky Stuart made one surprise selection with debutant James Schiller named at centre and co-captain Jarrod Croker to play NSW Cup.

Schiller played well on the wing against the Roosters in a trial earlier this year and Stuart said he’s confident he will make the step up.

Another youngster looking to impress is Brad Schneider, who will take on the important halfback role in just his second NRL game.

Elliott is making his Raiders debut off the bench alongside Starling, Horsburgh and Guler. Englishman Ryan Sutton missed out on a spot, much to the disappointment of his partner.

Elliott Whitehead will be an interesting watch playing at lock after spending the previous six seasons on an edge.

The Sharks have been one of the most hyped teams this pre-season with the inclusions of former Melbourne players Nicho Hynes and Dale Finucane.

Finucane will captain the side in the absence of Wade Graham and leads an impressive pack featuring Rudolf, Hamlin-Uele and Nikora.

Unfortunately, their head coach Craig Fitzgibbon will miss what would have been his first NRL game in charge after testing positive to COVID.

Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks live nrl
Watch Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks nrl game
Raiders vs Sharks live nrl
Watch Raiders vs Sharks live nrl game

The Raiders have named their final 17 for tonight's match against the Sharks at GIO Stadium.

The team will lineup unchanged, with Xavier Savage 18th man in jersey number 23.

The new-look Sharks will be put to the test on Friday night when they take on the Raiders in the nation’s capital.

There’s both key ins and outs for the Sharks’ season-opener with star recruits Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes lining up in the 17, however coach Craig Fitzgibbon will be noticeably missing after contracting Covid-19.