It is a selection conundrum Canberra coach Ricky Stuart is rapt to have – who do you squeeze out for Junior Paulo?
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Stuart has five days to make up his mind whether Paulo makes his Raiders debut in Friday's home clash with Manly after he was granted an official release by Parramatta on Sunday.
The Eels issued a statement midway through the second half confirming his release, but the prop wasted no time adjusting to his new club by introducing himself to the Raiders squad in the sheds.
Paulo was an interested onlooker in the stands as the Raiders came back from 20-10 down to beat Canterbury 32-20, and cement a top-eight spot.
The 22-year-old is rated a future star and his addition is handy given the Raiders have a short turnaround to prepare for the Sea Eagles clash.
Stuart said Paulo's arrival will allow him to rest some players to re-energise them for the back end of the season.
Young forwards Luke Bateman and Joe Tapine continued their strong form with outstanding performances from the bench against Canterbury.
Tapine scored two tries and the duo's impact was crucial in turning the momentum of the game.
Canberra struggled to overcome a five-day turnaround after beating the Bulldogs at Belmore in round five, smashed 36-6 at Parramatta the following week.
Paulo's management had been pushing for a release since he posted a picture on Instagram allegedly consorting with convicted criminals last weekend.
He had already signed with Canberra for 2017 and 2018, and adds to a pack full of young potential led by Bateman, Tapine, Shannon Boyd and Paul Vaughan.
"We're in the final stages now of Junior's contract with our club, he came in the sheds and it was great to see him there as part of the group," Stuart said.
"He'll be welcomed with open arms but it does create depth [and] it's not a dilemma, it's about building a club. Luke Bateman, Joe Tapine, they got us back on track tonight and [hooker] Kurt Baptiste coming on providing energy.
"That's a big part of our strategy, those two are wonderful footy players. They'll have to have a rest over the next four to five weeks because they're still young NRL players but having depth will give me the ability to rest these players and find their legs, and we go again."
Paulo's arrival also gives Stuart the option of considering resting Josh Papalii, who will play State of Origin for Queensland on Wednesday night.
