Former Australian schoolboy skipper Michael Weyman will make his National Rugby League debut for Canberra on Saturday after backrower Michael Hodgson pulled out of the match with injury.

Hodgson failed to recover from a hamstring strain he suffered in last weekend's loss to Melbourne, the competition-leading Raiders' first defeat of the season.

His exit paves way for Weyman to make his first grade debut for the Raiders off the bench in their clash with third-placed Penrith at Canberra Stadium tomorrow night.

The 18-year-old from the NSW south coast town of Moruya travelled with the Raiders as an 18th man to Melbourne last weekend but said he was looking forward to his first taste of first grade football.

"Travelling with the team last week really helped in getting some of the nerves aside," he said.

"Just to do the warm-up and sit on the bench and feel the atmosphere has helped me a lot, and given me a taste of what to expect.

"I feel I'm much more relaxed this week.

"I'll just try to do my very best when I get on there."

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