Canberra winger Nick Cotric has put his hand up to play fullback if No.1 revelation Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) is ruled out of the Raiders' NRL clash against Manly.
Canberra (5-1) are flying this season and can go top of the ladder for the first time since 2005 with victory against the Sea Eagles (3-3) at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
Nicoll-Klokstad has starred at fullback in his first season in Canberra after coach Ricky Stuart took a chance on the former Warriors fringe player.
The 23-year-old went down following a nasty knock against Brisbane last week and although he finished the game, Nicoll-Klokstad is no certainty to face Manly.
Cotric, 20, led the competition in tackle breaks (149) last season playing wing, centre and fullback.
The NSW Blues squad member has scored 30 tries in 54 NRL games, and Cotric said he was happy to swap positions again if Nicoll-Klokstad pulls up lame.
"I'm definitely (comfortable) playing there, I'll play anywhere. I trained (at fullback) in the off-season," Cotric said.
"It looked pretty bad but it was good he fought back and stayed on the field. To get that knock and keep playing is a pretty good effort from him.
"He's definitely a tough little bugger and I think he'll probably play this week."
Stuart could be tempted to rest Nicoll-Klokstad considering there has been five knee injuries in just two games this season on the often-criticised Brookvale surface.
But Nicoll-Klokstad said he isn't concerned about the surface and is confident he'll play.
"I went for scans today just for peace of mind, clinically we tested it and it feels fine and nothing structural so it's just about how much soreness I can run with," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"It's feeling better each and every day and I was quite surprised I was able to do lunges and squats today. Light run tomorrow then I'll will pick it up with the boys on Thursday.
"I'm pretty confident I'll play. I'll do my best to get myself ready for the game but at the end of the day if I'm a liability for the squad I won't put that pressure on the team."
Australian Associated Press
