Jack Wighton is set for an uptick in duties after Josh Hodgson went down with what appears to be a season-ending ACL injury during the Raiders' 20-14 loss to the Melbourne Storm on Saturday night.
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The English international injured the opposite knee to the one he tore playing for his country in 2017 and as he lay on the ground in agony, the bunker made a complete hash of a tentative penalty try check by referee Grant Atkins.
Video ref Steve Chiddy somehow ruled that Raiders winger Bailey Simonsson had committed a professional foul on his Storm counterpart Josh Addo-Carr - when Simonsson was clearly playing the ball.
But Simonsson was sent to the sin bin - much to the horror of NSW Blues selector Greg Alexander.
"No it's not ... that's a bad call," he said in the Fox League commentary.
Seconds later Addo-Carr scored as the Storm took advantage of the extra man.
It was a cruel blow, especially on top of Hodgson's departure.
Canberra's running short of troops with Corey Horsburgh (foot), Sia Soliola (face) and Emre Guler (ankle) all set to be long-term absentees.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was full of praise for his team's efforts as the injury toll continued to mount.
"Bailey I think his shoulder might have subluxed, so hopefully he won't be too long if he is out," he said.
"But Hodgo, we've got to wait on a scan but it doesn't look good. It looks like it might be an ACL."
The vulnerable Raiders will face the Sydney Roosters in round 10.
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