Canberra coach Ricky Stuart says props David Shillington and Shannon Boyd remain "well and truly" in his plans despite their omission from the Raiders round-one win at Cronulla.
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Back rowers Jarrad Kennedy and debutant Luke Bateman were the beneficiaries of former representative prop Shillington and young gun Boyd's (the heaviest players in Canberra's squad) axings.
Different interpretations in the ruck have sped up the game, and the Raiders used their more agile forwards to dominate the experienced Sharks pack through the middle.
But Stuart didn't rule out making changes for Sunday's first home game against the New Zealand Warriors, who put 50 points on Canberra twice last year.
"We'll just keep reviewing the Warriors game and make a decision on that," Stuart said.
"With some new interpretations around the ruck there's a difference to the game at the moment, we selected the team on what style of play we thought would occur.
"They are well and truly in our first grade squad; both those boys Shillo and Boydy are great football players and have had great off-seasons.
"It's nothing negative in regards to them, we picked a football team which we thought was going to suit that style of game."
Bateman played the final 15 minutes in the 24-20 victory, a baptism of fire as he came on soon after Jack Wighton's stoush with Cronulla winger Sosaia Feki.
"Jack got stuck in with a bit of biff and I was warming up on the sideline when it happened," Bateman said.
"Everyone in the crowd was into me saying 'wait until you're out there, you're going to get it.'
"But, once I got out there everything, had cooled down and we were focussed on winning the game, not fighting with them."
The Queensland under-18 and under-20 representative admitted he was shocked at his selection, initially assuming he'd be on standby for lock Shaun Fensom (hamstring).
"I thought I was back-up for Fenno and wouldn't get in because he was sweet [to play]," Bateman said.
"Then at training Ricky pulled me aside and asked me when I thought I was ready to play NRL, and I said I'm ready to go when he needs me.
"Sticky's really been hammering us about being a tough team, competing for everything.
"He wanted a fit, mobile team to beat those blokes. He knew the last 20 minutes would be what it was, a fight to the death."
Stuart said he would continue to give young players a chance if they prove they're ready.
"I've proven over and over again I'm willing to give young players a go if they're up to it," Stuart said.
"There wasn't a player, including Luke Bateman, who didn't do their job.
"I wouldn't put a young player into a first-grade game if I didn't think he could physically handle it or doesn't have the mental capacity, and he's got both."
