The Canberra Raiders are strongly considering fighting a crusher tackle charge against Shaun Fensom as they battle a mounting injury toll before Sunday's road clash with the in-form Sydney Roosters.
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While coach Ricky Stuart was tight-lipped on which players are in doubt, he admitted the Raiders "are a bit wounded" after last week's 22-20 fadeout to St George Illawarra.
Lock Fensom is facing a one-week ban after being cited for an alleged crusher tackle on Dragons debutant Euan Aitken midway through the first half.
He was rubbed out for a week for a similar incident early last year, but the Raiders feel he's been hard done by and may contest the charge.
Even if the 26-year-old contests it and loses, he will still miss just one week and be available for the round five match against Manly in Albury.
Regular prop Paul Vaughan was strong at lock against the Dragons, with noted 80-minute workhorse Fensom starting on the bench for the first time since round eight, 2011.
In better news, Raiders fullback Jack Wighton is a chance to return a week earlier than expected from an eye socket injury which sidelined him for the Dragons match.
The Raiders won't risk one of their most valuable assets despite winning just one of their first three matches.
"There is a chance he'll play, but that's something we'll have to have a look at later in the week," Stuart said.
Wighton was outstanding the first two games of the year and is now arguably the most important attacking player in Canberra's squad.
His strike power will be crucial if winger Sisa Waqa fails to overcome a knee problem.
The former Melbourne Storm flyer had scans on Monday after limping off in the second half against the Dragons.
Jordan Rapana played strongly in the no.1 jersey deputising for Wighton, while winger Jeremy Hawkins is also available for selection after missing last week through suspension.
Stuart has left a message with referees boss Tony Archer to discuss a controversial no-try ruling against Blake Austin on Saturday.
The video referees issued the red light after ruling a double movement, denying the Raiders five-eighth his second try of the game.
It proved crucial as it denied the Raiders a chance to build a 24-0 lead, which may have broken the Dragons' backs.
The NRL's new edict advising coaches to avoid commenting on referees meant Stuart declined to talk openly on the decision afterward.
"I'm going to be really interested in learning what Tony's read is, because playing the try over and over at normal speed I don't know where Blake could have went," Stuart said.
Stuart preferred not to comment on the prospect of facing Roosters centre Blake Ferguson, who will play the Raiders for the first time since he was sacked by the club in 2013.
Ironicially, his last game for the Raiders was arguably his finest, where he scored both of Canberra's tries in a 16-10 loss to the Roosters in Sydney.
It's the start of a challenging stretch for Canberra, who also play Manly, Melbourne, Wests Tigers and South Sydney over the next five weeks.
SUNDAY
NRL round four: Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders at Sydney Football Stadium, 2pm
TV Time: Live on Fox Sports 1
