Canberra will field its third-string hooker and third-choice goal-kicker when it takes on North Queensland in the National Rugby League clash at Canberra Stadium.

The Raiders will be without suspended captain Simon Woolford and Brad Drew (hamstring), while goal-kicking fullback Clinton Schifcofske has succumbed to an ankle injury.

Coach Matthew Elliott has handed the No.9 jersey to workhorse Alan Tongue.

Adam Mogg will shift from the centres to fullback to cover for Schifcofske while centre Phil Graham comes off the bench to take over the goal-kicking duties.

Manly-bound halfback Michael Monaghan is the new man in the squad.

Cowboys prop Daniel Strickland withdrew with chicken pox and coach Graham Murray said he had yet to decide whether Dean Limpus or Aaron Payne would go into the squad.

The Raiders were expected to blow the Cowboys off the park at home, but the withdrawal of Schifcofske and Drew won't help their cause.

Drew was magnificent when he replaced Woolford in the 8th minute of last weekend's 51-16 thrashing of Manly after the Raiders skipper was sent off for a high tackle on Luke Williamson that later resulted in a two-match suspension.

Schifcofske scored a trademark individual try against the Sea Eagles and has been solid at the back all year.

The former Queensland Origin winger has kicked 79 out Canberra's 80 goals this season, with Drew slotting home one against Manly last Sunday. Graham kicked 10 goals for his side last year.

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